Christian Humility

08-31-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

For a Christian, humility is absolutely indispensable. Without it, there is no self-knowledge, no repentance, no faith, and no salvation. Thomas Edison, the famous inventor of the early 20th century, is truly a humble man at heart. This inventor of the phonograph and incandescent lamp once said to his assistant: People call me a great inventor. I’m no inventor worth talking about. When I think that I can’t even build the simplest being that could think and speak, or at least do something on its own, I know that there is only one true inventor. At that, he pointed his finger heavenward.

Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. While dining with some Pharisees, Jesus uses the opportunity to teach everyone the importance of humility. He did not hide His displeasure, seeing how guests were all making for the first place. He uses this incident as a teaching concerning the Kingdom of God. The importance of humility, the feeling of unworthiness in the sight of God’s graciousness. All who received the grace of faith are invited to the wedding feast, not by right, worthiness, or one’s merits. Faith is God’s gift; we accept it in humility and joy.

God dislikes the proud but lifts the lowly. Jesus is the perfect example of a humble disposition, always submissive to the will of the heavenly Father, and meek and gentle of heart to those He served. Remember, it was the humble tax collector in the temple, not the proud Pharisee, who gained pardon for his sins by humbly acknowledging that he is a sinner. (Lk. 18:14) In like manner, in the Magnificat, the heart and soul of the Blessed Mother proclaims the greatness of the Lord: My spirit rejoices in God my savior. - For He has looked upon the lowliness of His handmaid. And God will accord the same favor to those who have lowly hearts.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples the virtues of humility and generosity. When we do not take the choice seats, but the lowest place, we learn to be humble. When we give even the little we have to those in need, and give freely without expecting anything in return, we begin to be truly generous and giving.

Often, humility spares us from many of our problems and troubles. Sin is disobedience to the will of God. - Pride is believing that we can do without God and cut our dependence on and need for Him. The road back to the heart of God is humility, the way that leads to true peace.

Sometimes, it takes only one to swallow one's pride so that our problems and troubles go away. When we accept failures, reach out humbly to God and others, forgive others, and forgive our selves, we heal and are free. As someone put it beautifully, the best calming tea is humility. Remember, humility is the ultimate standard of greatness in the Kingdom of God.