To overcome pride, we need humility. Understanding and embracing humility takes (A LOT OF) grace, because you will need to surrender and detach from earthly things.
A great way to discover it is through praying the Litany of Humility!
For every line, we invite you to:
- Either recall the moments from your past,
- Or reflect on your current situation.
Don't just recite the words! Put your heart into it 😊
The Litany of Humility
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, O Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I go unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
---
With a sincere heart, you will soon realise the
3 key attributes necessary for your quest:
1. Purification from selfish desires.
2. Purification from selfish fears.
3. Selflessness must increase in your heart.
After understanding what humility is, the next challenge is:
Choosing to be humble.
If you've reached this stage, congratulations!
You're probably wondering what you can do to embrace and cultivate humility in your heart.
For this, we ask the saints to have successfully walked this path and left behind for us a little piece of their wisdom.
St Teresa of Calcutta, or Mother Teresa as she is lovingly called said this:
"Humility is the mother of all virtues, purity, charity, and obedience. It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted, and ardent. If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise, nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed, you will not be discouraged. If they call you a Saint, you will not put yourself on a pedestal."
How wonderfully put!
1. Speak as little as possible about yourself.
Keep the focus away from yourself. Avoid self-centeredness.
2. Keep busy with your own affairs, and not those of others.
Just do what you have come to do. And don't get distracted or derailed by others.
3. Avoid curiosity (wanting to know things that don't concern you).
In colloquial Singlish, this means don't be a kaypoh (busy-body)
It can be a temptation.
4. Do not interfere with the affairs of others.
Perhaps #3 is very difficult for you. But don't make the matter worse by meddling or gossiping.
5. Accept small irritations with good humour.
Things go wrong at times. Don't let it get to you. Laugh it off!
6. Do not dwell on the faults of others.
We are all human. We all have flaws and imperfections.
When you look at someone, seek the face of Jesus.
7. Accept censures, even if unmerited.
This means accepting disapprovals. Accept that you cannot make everyone happy.
Even if you have done your very best.
And let's face it. There will be people who just want to criticise.
8. Give in to the will of others.
Someone wants the opposite of what you want?
Remain calm and find a way to compromise.
If it is not a deal-breaker, why not just consider it?
9. Accept insults and injuries.
Stick and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.
Abide in His love. Remember your identity as a child of God.
10. Accept contempt, being forgotten and disregarded.
Don't get easily offended by others.
If you feel that your words didn't matter, try and let it go. Don't harp on it further.
11. Be courteous and delicate, even when provoked by someone.
If someone is trying to get you riled up, remain calm and professional. We need more love in this world.
12. Do not seek to be admired or loved.
Give up on seeking recognition and glory.
13. Do not protect yourself behind your own dignity.
Protecting your dignity is a must. But allow yourself to receive afflictions.
Be like Jesus. Unite your sufferings with His Passion.
14. Give in, during discussions, even when you're right.
Sometimes, we fight because we are indignant.
We want to win every small battle. But in actual fact, we might be losing the war.
15. Choose the more difficult task.
If we always opt for the easy way out, we are closing our hearts from what He asks of us.
%20(1).png "Sacred Heart of Jesus Plushie")
Hug this Sacred Heart of Jesus Plushie as you pray for humility.
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