Day 16: Humility 

Saint Faustina wrote in her Diary – “The more a soul humbles itself, the greater the kindness with which the Lord approaches it”. The Catechism also teaches that contemplative prayer is a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus. We must humble our hearts and seek God in all of our prayers and love him. As long as we are proud we cannot know God. Humility is one of the most difficult virtues to acquire.

James 4:6 – God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

St Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri says “The prayer of the man that humbles himself shall pierce the clouds. The prayer of a humble soul at once penetrates the heavens and presents itself before the throne of God and will not depart till God regards it and listens to it.”

Prayer: Jesus meek and humble of hearts, make our hearts like unto thine. Rescue me and save me from the foolish pride. You increase and I decrease. Don’t let me gloat over praise or be discouraged by criticism. May I always be hidden under your wings, for You are my rock and my fortress and in You I place my trust.

Reflection (according to Pope Francis):

1) Do I want to be recognized by others, to affirm myself and to be praised or do I think rather about serving?

2) Do I know how to listen like Mary or do I want only to speak & receive attention?

3) Do I know how to keep silence like Mary or am I always chattering?

4) Do I know how to take a step back from arguments or do I want to excel?

Contributed by: RIC4 member

• Litany of the Holy Spirit
• 500 Praises to the Holy Spirit (Pray a few of them as you can)