I used to think "humiliation" and "humility" went together and that I couldn't have one without the other. They are related words, both based in the Latin word humus, meaning "earth". Even in English, both imply being low on some scale. While humility is a virtue, however, humiliation implies a vice. Definitions Humiliation is the … Continue reading Humiliation vs. Humility
Pride
False Humility
About myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me because of the abundance … Continue reading False Humility
Arrogance
[Bingley said,] "But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.'' "Which do you mean?'' and turning round, [Mr. Darcy] looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own … Continue reading Arrogance
Excessive Prudence
Prudence What is Prudence? The word "Prudence" comes from the same root as "provident": to foresee. Prudence is the habit whereby we try to act as if we can see the future. There are three steps in trying to act as if we know the future. First, you investigate the circumstances, try to know all … Continue reading Excessive Prudence
Love Is Come Again
In the grave they laid Him, Love by hatred slain, Thinking that never He would wake again. Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen: Love is come again, like wheat arising green. Easter Carol Now the Green Blade Rises ____________ Love Is Come Again For me this Easter, finding humility was a lot like … Continue reading Love Is Come Again
Gracefulness
"Hail, full of grace!" Luke 1:28 ____________ Gracefulness Grace and gratitude It is interesting that the words "grace" and "gratitude" have similar etymologies. They derive from the Latin word gratus, which means both pleasing and thankful (pleased). This reveals a practical way of understanding John Paul II's description of mercy as "bilateral", or two-sided: An act of … Continue reading Gracefulness
The Joy of Humility
We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 ____________ … Continue reading The Joy of Humility
Adoration
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 ____________ Adoration Humility Humility can be summed up in this prayer: "Jesus, help me to love myself as you love … Continue reading Adoration
Mary
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel. Genesis 3:15 ____________ Mary The above passage is known as the Protoevangelium, the first gospel, the original good news. It is God’s promise that Satan, represented by the serpent, … Continue reading Mary
Self-Pity
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ____________ Self-Pity Caveat mirator I recently read an examination of conscience especially written for single people. It focused on the vice of self-pity. Singles feel they don’t have that special someone to share everything with. … Continue reading Self-Pity
A Grain of Salt 