Monthly Spiritual Retreat - March

Subject: Humility

Humility is the foundation of all solid spiritual life; it and mortification are two pillars supporting the interior temple. No one can think that he has no need to practice it, but it is a duty especially binding upon those who enjoy God’s choicest graces. They ought to practice humility in a heroic degree, between their own imperfections and the benefits that they have received.

Our Lord practiced humility; He was humble of heart, humble in all His life, and the innumerable humiliations inflicted upon Him by men were endured with indescribable sweetness and suffered with wonderful courage. He has taught us the way of humble renunciation, being here as everywhere our model, the perfect example that it behooves us to follow from afar.

How can I practice humility? What form should it take?

First and foremost, it should be wholly interior, based on a more and more precise knowledge of myself, my faults and frailties, and my frequent cowardice. All these things are opposed to God’s goodness toward me, and to a clear perception of His love and power, and of all that He has done for me. Examination of conscience and meditation are of assistance in developing humility in our souls. Ought to practice humility discreetly and unostentatiously, by keeping silence regarding my soul and my own affairs, by seeking little humiliations, and by voluntarily remaining in the background when the interests of others do not require me to act otherwise. I ought to display God’s way of dealing with me, and lead others to love and admire Him in His work, but I should make myself small in the sight of others and in my own estimation, realizing thus the words of St. John: “He must increase, and I must decrease”
(John 3:30).

Humility ought to be strong and substantial, one of the best elements of penance, safeguarding prayer and veiling charity.

I shall derive humility from our divine Savior, from His Sacred Heart; from the tabernacle, at Holy Communion; and by prayer. I will ask our Lady to obtain it for me… “The humble shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11). Our Lord said, “Learn of me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Matt. 11:30).

From “The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur: the Woman Whose Goodness Changed Her Husband from Atheist to Priest,” Sophia Institute Press®, Manchester, New Hampshire, © 2002