Conduct Your Affairs with Humility

The language of the Divine Mystery is paradox, puzzle, and symbol. It cannot be defined and wholly explained. It has to be this way because of the disparity between God and his creatures. If all were understandable, we would be equal to God’s mind, and heaven knows that is not the case. When we hear God’s words, they are sometimes quite perplexing, but that is not to say there is nothing we can glean and learn. The paradoxes often used by the prophets and our Jesus force us to think differently than usual to glean meaning.

Two readings chosen for this Sunday have a central theme of humility. Sirach was a Jewish scribe who lived in the third century B.C. and is known for his ethical teachings, which happen to be our first teacher.  “My child, conduct your affairs with humility. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.” From early on, those who want to be in a relationship with God are told that greatness lies in humility and not vice versa—the notion three centuries before Christ turns the world’s idea of greatness on its head.

Jesus reiterates the divine puzzle and paradox of living a life of humility to become a great person. While dining with the Pharisees, Jesus uses a parable to make this point. Jesus sets his story in the context of a marriage feast. He tells them that when invited, they should not seek the place of honor, lest a more dignified person arrive and, in embarrassment, be forced to sit at the lowest place.  Jesus warns them, “For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The point is taken; we should all be humble people because God’s favor will be with us. But why does God demand this disposition? From a purely worldly view, no one likes arrogant people.  It goes against our innate sense of goodness. However, our distaste for the lack of humility in another person who overshadows our sense of self-worth isn’t enough to substantially change our conceited tendencies.

To understand what it means not to exult himself is to know what humility is. Humility is not rooted in an emotional or psychological outlook but in a spiritual reality. It is a supernatural virtue by which a Christian gains a proportionate and fitting thought of his proper relationship to God. It accepts that all good comes from God and that his grace cannot be attributed to human agency.

Once the Christian acknowledges his lowliness in relation to God, his disposition is further enforced by following the example of Jesus, of whom we are privileged to be called his followers. By being humble, we conform ourselves more closely to Christ because it harmonizes with his humility. By entering into our sinful and mortal condition, Jesus condescended himself for our salvation. The epitome of humility is in the person of Christ. Recall that Jesus came to save and show us how to live. If you call yourself a Christian, humility must be a virtue you have.

Christian humility is unique. It descends from above and governs our relationship with God and neighbor. The Incarnation hit directly at the presumptuous pride of our humanity inherited by all from our first parents, who sinned due to their pride. By allowing himself to be born as God-man, Jesus showed us how we should live by submitting to his Father’s will in everything and became the model of humility for us. Therefore, humility is at the very foundation of prayer and spiritual life, for discipleship and imitation of Christ is impossible without humility.

Humility encourages opposition to pride, arrogance, and vainglory. It is based on our good actions and acknowledges our obligation to serve and obey God. Being truly humble recognizes the worth and value of our neighbor as one like ourselves.

The lack of humility outside the spiritual loss will inevitably manifest throughout life in predictable ways. The arrogant man who thinks he will be on the top of the corporate heap will learn soon enough that he will be toppled by the younger executive seeking to take his job. The man with his two feet rooted in the world, thinking he can stave off his death, will soon find his life will be demanded of him.  The young who believe they can control their lives to the nth degree will quickly find life may have other plans for them. Life usually does not allow arrogance forever. 

We are again reminded that “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”