In the last three weeks, we have discussed the virtue of patience. This week, we shall examine another important virtue: humility. Often, we talk about humility without adequately understanding what it means. 

First, what is humility not? That is, what is false humility? It is not humility to close our eyes to our talents, abilities, graces and achievements. When we do this, we refuse to give due credit to God for the good gifts He has bestowed on us.

So, if we have the gifts of tongues or any other spiritual gifts, or if we have skill in music, conversation, teaching, preaching, painting or in languages, it is not humility to deny the facts of these things. We should thank God for His goodness in giving us these gifts. 

What is against the spirit of humility is to take credit for it and boast of ourselves about what we received from God. Humility, therefore, is different from self-depreciation or the running of oneself down before others. This could indicate pride disguised to receive the praise we deny ourselves from others.

So, what is humility? It is the acknowledgement of our nothingness before the Almighty God. According to St Bernard, humility is “the virtue by which a man becomes vile in his own eyes through a thorough knowledge of himself.

Thomas Aquinas sees humility as a virtue through which, having assessed our own defects, we are kept at the lowest place according to our degree. Can you think about these definitions and consider whether you are humble? 

In the words of Richard F. Clarke, “It is not enough to be conscious of our own vileness or to esteem ourselves as nothing. We must acquiesce and be satisfied with our own nothingness. Humility is not perfect until the self is so obliterated that we are willing to be esteemed according to our deserts. 

When we can honestly say that we look to in all our thoughts, words, and actions not our own advantage and interest but simply the honour of God, quite independently of what will further profit, then we may begin to thank God that we are in the way of humility.”

Humility is not just a virtue; it is a key to the welfare of our souls and to obtaining grace from the Almighty. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, without humility, we are enemies of God. 

Humility is not just a virtue, it is a necessary condition to entering the kingdom of God. “Unless you become as little children,” says our Divine Lord, “you cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (Matt. 18:3). 

May Our Lady, the icon of true humility intercede for us.