Focusing on Fundamentals During Advent - 5
We continue our focus on fundamentals during Advent. Again, we'll ask
Fr. Joseph Schryvers, C.SS.R. (1876-1945), whose work we've
quoted many times in the past, to help us better understand the
importance of the virtue of humility after a few comments about how our
work and
our relationships at work will improve as we develop the virtue of
humility.
We've already discussed the role of pride in the lives of most of us, and the problems it causes us. Knowing our propensity to prideful thoughts, words, feelings, even behavior, we're on guard even as we perform the meanest tasks of our daily work, or interact with our families, friends, bosses, co-workers, customers, etc. So important is the recognition of pride in us, we pray each day that Our Lord provides the grace we need to combat this tendency, to overcome pride, to have the courage to face our faults so we see ourselves as we truly are. Nothing could be more important for us, even as we strive for excellence in all we do on the job, even in the midst of whatever successful results our work produces.
The following words of Father Schryvers wrap up our consideration of the fundamental importance of humility in our lives. Don't rush yourself as you read this. Spend time especially with the second paragraph where Father shows us exactly how we must think, speak, feel, and act as we struggle to increase our humility and quell our pride.
May the graces flowing from this Holy Season of Advent assist us in our endeavor to become more and more humble as we prepare ourselves for His coming.
We've already discussed the role of pride in the lives of most of us, and the problems it causes us. Knowing our propensity to prideful thoughts, words, feelings, even behavior, we're on guard even as we perform the meanest tasks of our daily work, or interact with our families, friends, bosses, co-workers, customers, etc. So important is the recognition of pride in us, we pray each day that Our Lord provides the grace we need to combat this tendency, to overcome pride, to have the courage to face our faults so we see ourselves as we truly are. Nothing could be more important for us, even as we strive for excellence in all we do on the job, even in the midst of whatever successful results our work produces.
The following words of Father Schryvers wrap up our consideration of the fundamental importance of humility in our lives. Don't rush yourself as you read this. Spend time especially with the second paragraph where Father shows us exactly how we must think, speak, feel, and act as we struggle to increase our humility and quell our pride.
“To become humble, the first move is to assume the infallible certainty that you are proud. Pride infests your thoughts, desires, and smallest acts; its roots are embedded in the most hidden fibers of your human nature. Anyone who looks upon such a statement as this as an exaggeration will never be cured of pride. We must constantly disavow before God the thousand unjustifiable ambitions which we consciously, or unconsciously, harbor in the secret places of our souls. We should ask pardon for our foolish pretensions and thank Him for not abandoning us to the pride of our own hearts. We should frequently ask light to see ourselves as we are; strength to love our abjection; and courage to allow ourselves to be treated according to our deserts. Louis Veuillot, on seeing a worm crawling at his feet, exclaimed: ‘I thank You, My God, for not crushing me with Your feet: me, this crawling worm.’ The better a soul knows herself, the more she despises and lowers herself; and the more she humbles herself, the more God raises her up to Himself.
“The humble man never approaches God without a sentiment of his own absolute personal misery; he shuns all ideas of self-esteem, as he would the bite of a serpent. Neither does he hold to his own opinion, but willingly yields to that of others to whom he is condescending and indulgent. He never speaks in a bitter and imperious manner. The humble of heart show constant serenity and calmness of countenance and are always accessible, especially to the lowly. The humble man, aware of his limitations, does not meddle in other people’s business; he does not judge nor contradict without necessity. Ever ready to render a service, especially at his own expense, his ambition is to serve all, and to occupy the last and lowest place. Oh! How rapidly the humble soul advances in virtue, because she goes by the way of spiritual childhood! Choice graces from the Heart of Jesus flow abundantly upon her like the mountain torrents which water the valleys and make them fertile in good things and lovely to behold. Oh, Jesus! I wish to live in humility. I am nothing; I have nothing; I can do nothing: my sins are my only possession. I am the poor leper, covered with the ulcers of pride. You alone can cure me. But even though I am poverty itself, I feel within me intense desires to rise towards You, and in spite of my misery I have unlimited confidence in Your power. I want to be the little child whom You love and take into Your divine arms and press to Your Sacred Heart. I want to be the meek and gentle dove who settles itself upon Your powerful wings. O Divine Eagle! Bear me away, very high, into the regions of love!”
May the graces flowing from this Holy Season of Advent assist us in our endeavor to become more and more humble as we prepare ourselves for His coming.
Divine Infant of Bethlehem, come and take birth in our hearts.
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