Humility is like a pair of scales; the lower one side falls, the higher rises the other. Let us humble ourselves like the Blessed Virgin and we shall be exalted. (St. John Vianney)

 

St. Paul wrote in his Letter to the Philippians, “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). A few verses later, he gave the humility of Jesus for us to imitate. This confirmed the teaching of Jesus himself. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves” (Matthew 11:29). It was the example taught to us by Mary’s response to the greatest privilege a woman could receive, to be the Mother of the Messiah. Her humble response: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). The more we tip the scale of our life with humility, the more we will rise in holiness. Be humble before the Lord like the tax collector and the Lord will exalt you in his presence.