Our Holy Father's Example of Humility at Work
Continuing again with our Holy Father's example of humility at work, I remember someone close to me facing the lessons humility can bring. This man is quite accomplished in his profession, a recognized expert, published, always in demand to speak, providing expertise and leadership for many years. He has the sort of position and recognition many of us strive a lifetime to achieve.
Yet even this man recently faced an especially intense bout of criticism, at times even attacks. Yes, even in such an exalted position, at this late stage of a successful career, such criticism and attacks are never far away.
This man called me one day on another matter and we wound up talking also about his recent difficulties, I offering my ear to listen. At the end of our conversation, I e-mailed this special prayer to him. It was written by an accomplished man. I pray it from time to time (not often enough!) and perhaps you will find this salutary prayer helpful:
Yet even this man recently faced an especially intense bout of criticism, at times even attacks. Yes, even in such an exalted position, at this late stage of a successful career, such criticism and attacks are never far away.
This man called me one day on another matter and we wound up talking also about his recent difficulties, I offering my ear to listen. At the end of our conversation, I e-mailed this special prayer to him. It was written by an accomplished man. I pray it from time to time (not often enough!) and perhaps you will find this salutary prayer helpful:
Litany of Humility
Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930)
Secretary of State for Pope Pius X
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…
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