For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 14:11
Humility is how you see yourself in relation to God. God is omnipotent and perfect; I am His creation, flawed but also His daughter. God’s will is infinitely good, full of love and mercy; mine strives to be loving and good, yet it often falls into restless self-seeking. When I humbly put my will aside and conform my will to His, I admit that His plan is always better than mine. This phrase sums up this aspect of humility: “Thy will be done.” Humility also means recognizing that God has given me all the gifts and talents I possess: “every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). In place of pride in my accomplishments, I can give glory to God for His gifts working through me.
Meekness is how you see yourself in relation to others. I am coming to understand that becoming meek and humble of heart like Jesus can only be approached by seeing myself and others as children of God. When I see myself through my Father’s eyes, I know that I am His beloved child. When I look beside me, I see that my brothers and sisters are beloved, just as I am. God loves me because I am His child, not for what I can accomplish. He loves me even when I fall into sin, though He always calls me higher. He loves me for who I am. The same goes for all of God’s children. I am not more important to Him than my brethren, and they are not more important to Him than me. We are equally His.
St. Francis de Sales wrote, “Let us be very meek toward everyone and take care that our heart does not escape from our hands; therefore, let us place it every morning in an attitude of humility, meekness and tranquility.” Holy Spirit, give me the gifts of temperance and fortitude to carry out this advice. Jesus, please give me the grace I need to see myself as I truly am: a beloved child of the Father, perfectly loved. Help me to be meek toward everyone by seeing them as Your children, my brethren.