Meditations on “The Little Way” of Following JesusSample

The Way of Humility

You want to climb the mountain, whereas God wishes you to descend it. He is awaiting you in the fruitful valley of humility.

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Our Lord also taught me, “Give to everyone that asketh thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods, ask them not again” [Luke 6:30]. To give to everyone who asks is not as pleasant as to give of one’s own accord. If we are asked pleasantly, it is easy to give; but if we are asked discourteously, then, unless we are perfect in charity, there is an inward rebellion, and we find no end of excuses for refusing.… And if it is difficult to give to whoever asks, it is far more difficult to let what belongs to us be taken without our asking for it back.… I say this is hard, but I should rather say that it seems hard, for “the yoke of the Lord is sweet and His burden light” [Matthew 11:30]. And when we submit to that yoke, we at once feel its sweetness.

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If the apostle [Peter] had caught some small fish, perhaps our divine Master would not have worked a miracle; but he had caught nothing, and so, through the power and goodness of God, his nets were soon filled with great fishes. [See Luke 5:1–1.] Such is our Lord’s way. He gives as God—with divine largesse—but He insists on humility of heart.

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If, for example, I were to say, “I have acquired such and such a virtue, and I can practice it”; or again, “My God, You know I love You too much to dwell on one single thought against faith,” straightway I would be assailed by the most dangerous temptations and would certainly yield. To prevent this misfortune, I have but to say humbly and from my heart, “My God, I beseech You not to let me be unfaithful.”

I understand clearly how St. Peter fell. He placed too much reliance on his own ardent nature instead of leaning solely on the divine strength. Had he only said, “Lord, give me strength to follow You unto death,” the grace would not have been refused him.

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To me it seems that humility is truth.

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Dear Lord, You know my weakness. Each morning, I resolve to be humble, and in the evening, I recognize that I have often been guilty of pride. The sight of these faults tempts me to discouragement; yet I know that discouragement is itself but a form of pride. I wish, therefore, O my God, to build all my trust upon You. As You can do all things, deign to implant in my soul this virtue that I desire; and to obtain it from Your infinite mercy, I will often say to You, “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Yours.”

Thought: Since I have abandoned all thought of self-seeking, I live the happiest life possible.