Pride/Humility…It’s NOT All About You!
by Colette Lemire
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To write an article on humility and not feel prideful is quite difficult.
The word ‘pride’ incorporates at least two different meanings and both of these are, in my opinion are in opposition to each other. One type of pride can be seen as a feeling of confidence where one has overcome something difficult or challenging. This pride is usually a quiet self-assuredness that what you have accomplished has had the hand of God in it. The other ‘pride’ is where we are taken over by ownership: we feel almost an entitlement and desire acknowledgement and constant praise. Pride is a place for self-absorption. It is like a fungus instilled in the soul. It is always seeking and demanding (from self and from others). I will be talking about the latter. Pride is a sin, humility is not! Humility allows for growth in faith and a belief that you walk with Our Lord. No acknowledgement is needed. Humility opens the door to sharing and for obedience. One is willing to do what is right and to incorporate faith, hope and charity. Humility involves trust; trust involves hope; hope involves charity; charity involves obedience. Here are some encouraging quotes from various people: “If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.” – Mother Teresa “Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds not profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity. – St. Therese of Lisieux “The world tells us to seek success, power and money: God tells us to seek humility, service and love.” – Pope Francis “Prayer, humility, and charity toward all are essential in the Christian life; they are the way to holiness.” – Pope Francis “No one reaches the kingdom of Heaven except by humility.” – St. Augustine “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis Lent is an important time to reflect and to make spiritual decisions. Unlike New Year’s Resolutions, spiritual decisions involve a commitment to your soul and to growth in your faith life. If you choose to be humble, you seek to obey those who know more than you, especially in our Catholic Faith: you strive to do what is right. #2554 – “The baptized person combats envy through good-will, humility, and abandonment to the providence of God.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church When we concentrate on others, we take the attention off of ourselves. We focus on our neighbour. We are sharing what we are and what we have in faith. Personally, I have noticed that when I am feeling unwell due to my chronic illness, the more I focus on others and share in their lives, I feel less pain. The more active I am in helping others, the more the emphasis is not on me but on others – my neighbours. (p.s. not trying to be prideful here, just sharing some ideas, lol) “You are God’s chosen race, his saints: he loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another: forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same” Colossians 3:12 - 13 I see pride and humility as total opposites. Pride is ALL ABOUT ME; Humility is NOT ABOUT ME! Seek the difference… |