‘Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart’

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

TREMENDOUS and incredible words coming from Christ himself, perfect God and perfect man. He showed this humility and meekness of his in Bethlehem, in Nazareth, in his public life. He showed this even more graphically when he washed the feet of his disciples, when he bore all the cruel torments of his passion. Finally, he continues to show this in his silent presence in the tabernacle located in some corner of a church.

What we can gather from these considerations are that humility and meekness is a matter of lowering or humbling oneself, considering others as better than us (cfr. Phil 2,3). It is also a matter of being humiliated, misunderstood, etc. And in spite of that, we respond with magnanimity and mercy, willing to bear whatever afflictions are involved.

We need to realize that the true virtue of humility is never a synonym for imperfection, for weakness or sinfulness, since the most sacred humanity of Christ is perfect. Humility and meekness, on the contrary, are clear signs of greatness, the very greatness of God.

To be sure, Christ is most happy with simple and humble people who believe in him and accept him, and who do not rely on their own wisdom. This truth of our Christian faith can be drawn from what Mary said in her Magnificat: “he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.” (Lk 1,28)

This can also be seen when Christ himself said: “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” (Lk 10,21)

It’s when we acknowledge our weakness that we attract God’s tremendous help, as articulated in one of the psalms that says: “a contrite and humiliated heart, my God, you do not despise” (Ps 51:19)

St. Paul gave an eloquent testimony about this when he said: “God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.” (2 Cor 7,6) This he said when he was in middle of a rigorous work of evangelization marked with so many trials. And St. Peter said something similar: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Pt 5,5)

Of course, Christ himself gave this comfort and mercy to the repentant thief who was crucified with him. (cfr. Mt 27,38) The same attitude of Christ giving comfort and mercy is shown in that parable of the proud Pharisee and the humble publican who were praying in the temple. (cfr. Lk 18,10-14)

When we truly learn from Christ how to be meek and humble, we will always have the eagerness to serve and not to be served. We will welcome every opportunity to serve God and others. We will not be afraid of the sacrifices involved.

In very concrete terms, we can show this attitude of serving and not wanting to be served if even at the end of the day, when we are already tired from work and all the pressures of the day, we can still manage to be of good disposition and even keep good humor during family dinners and evening get-togethers.

As can be easily gleaned, cultivating this attitude to serve and not to be served can be done in our ordinary daily events. It does not wait for extraordinary occasions for it to be set in motion. The daily happenings are enough—in fact, more than enough.

We would be Christ to one another if we live out this attitude consistently.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com