Over these last few days, we have been reading chapter 7 of the Rule of Benedict at morning prayer. Maybe humility is an odd kind of word for us today. Maybe it appears to be outdated. Maybe it is just not very cool. Nevertheless, in Benedictine communities all over the world, we keep reading, reflecting on, and practicing humility.
Here is what the dictionary says,
"The term 'humility' comes from the Latin word humilitas, a noun related to the adjective humilis, which may be translated as 'humble', but also as 'grounded', 'from the earth', or 'low', since it derives in turns from humus (earth). See the English 'humus'.
Because the concept of humility addresses intrinsic self-worth, relationships and socialization as well as perspective, it is emphasized in religious practice, moral teaching and ethical study where the notion is often made more precise" (Wikipedia).
Here is what the dictionary says,
"The term 'humility' comes from the Latin word humilitas, a noun related to the adjective humilis, which may be translated as 'humble', but also as 'grounded', 'from the earth', or 'low', since it derives in turns from humus (earth). See the English 'humus'.
Because the concept of humility addresses intrinsic self-worth, relationships and socialization as well as perspective, it is emphasized in religious practice, moral teaching and ethical study where the notion is often made more precise" (Wikipedia).
In his Rule, Benedict develops 12 steps of humility. When you read this chapter, it can be a pretty confusing. Just think of all the Scripture quotes, parts copied from the Rule of the Master, Benedict’s anthropology, and some more intricacies,.. BUT it has one consistent message:
We journey from Fear of God to Love of God. That is the progression on the spiritual journey. Humility is our work and yet, it is God’s work inside of us to move us closer to the experience of God’s love. It is ongoing and our contribution is our gradual growth in self-awareness.
The journey of humility is a journey of personal growth as we re-examine our attitudes, hang-ups, etc. Working on ourselves makes us more compassionate with others. Scholar of the Rule of Benedict, Sr. Aquinata Böckmann, OSB, elaborates that this journey, “is a way to feel in real solidarity with all the poor in the world. The degrees of humility, especially the fourth one, consider injustices.”
For your Lectio this week, you might want to pick up the Rule of Benedict and slowly read over chapter 7. Look at the different Scriptures that Benedict includes.
Look at the life of Jesus and how he embodies humility.
We journey from Fear of God to Love of God. That is the progression on the spiritual journey. Humility is our work and yet, it is God’s work inside of us to move us closer to the experience of God’s love. It is ongoing and our contribution is our gradual growth in self-awareness.
The journey of humility is a journey of personal growth as we re-examine our attitudes, hang-ups, etc. Working on ourselves makes us more compassionate with others. Scholar of the Rule of Benedict, Sr. Aquinata Böckmann, OSB, elaborates that this journey, “is a way to feel in real solidarity with all the poor in the world. The degrees of humility, especially the fourth one, consider injustices.”
For your Lectio this week, you might want to pick up the Rule of Benedict and slowly read over chapter 7. Look at the different Scriptures that Benedict includes.
Look at the life of Jesus and how he embodies humility.
The humility of Jesus - Foot Washing
Christ's humility is beautifully expressed in Philippians 2:
4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
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