In 1974 country singer Mac Davis wrote a song called “It’s Hard to be Humble”. The chorus repeats, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in every way. I can’t wait to look in the mirror, ‘cause I get better looking each day.” The song is humorous because of its sarcasm, and Mac plays on the loneliness that occurs when you seek to achieve fame. What is this humility that we are supposed to live as a virtue? How can we avoid the sin of pride and live a life of humility? Where is the balance between healthy self-esteem and pridefulness? Why does God want us to be humble enough to see less of ourselves and more of others? It’s a rough road and a fine line…it’s a narrow gate!
There are many ways we can be more humble, and these days the world could use more humility. It’s not always about you and me. If you are sad, lonely and maybe a bit depressed, spend some time thinking about someone else, pray for them, listen to them, help them. A sacrifice of time and energy will help you find humility. As Lent approaches, look for one way you can convert your heart to a humble heart.
The Litany of Humility was written by Cardinal Merry del Val, who was the Secretary of State to Pope St. Pius X (1903 – 1914). In this prayer, it is courageous to focus on even just one line. Pray to Jesus that you might be delivered from the prideful desires of your heart.
Litany of Humility
O Jesus! Meek and humble of heart, hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated (talked or gossiped about), deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more that 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 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 that I, provided that I may become as holy as I
should, Jesus grant me the grace to desire it. Amen.
Here’s what the scriptures have to say...
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Micah 6:8 – You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.