Humility, A Countercultural Quality
Being Christian is definitely countercultural. I find that one of the qualities Christians strive to possess—humility—is particularly countercultural in today's world. We are told to “succeed,” be the best, and to not settle. Having goals and working to reach them isn't a bad course of action. However, our culture tends to focus on material things and success in the eyes of the world. It is when we put this kind of success above “spiritual success,” striving to be united to the Lord, follow His will, and attain the riches of heaven, that we need to take a look at our priorities.
Humility can be a large part of the answer. When we value being humble, we help put our own desires, wishes and plans aside, and open our hearts to what the Lord has in mind for us (which will lead to our holiness and happiness, so we have nothing to fear!). When we are humble, others may scoff or be confused—but it is not their view, but God’s, that we value. When we allow God to guide us, He gives us opportunities to put others before ourselves. He works through us, and we can truly make the most of our time on earth by fulfilling God's will. This is worthwhile and will be meaningful throughout our earthly lives and into eternity.
The litany of humility by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Va is a beautiful prayer to help center us on what humility fully encompasses. It reaches deep into many desires of being a human and asks Jesus, who is “meek and humble of heart,” to deliver us from many desires. It also asks Jesus to “grant me the grace to desire” that others are put before us in everything. It ends with, “That others may become holier than I, provided I become as holy as I should…Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.” That last line strikes me. It forces us to trust in the Lord and His plan for each one of us.
Even after praying this litany, it may be difficult to see how humility is powerful. However, humility helps prepare our hearts and chisel our souls to become more like Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate example of what it means to be humble. And through Jesus, we come to realize that being humble is the way to being strong. Maybe not as the world views strength, but as God does. God can work through one who is humble. May we all strive to be more like Jesus through our humility.
