Don Shula was an outstanding football coach for the Miami Dolphins when they enjoyed the only undefeated season in NFL history.
After the football season ended, Shula visited Maine for a vacation with his family. The first two days, it poured rain, so the family decided to enjoy a movie. When they walked into the local theater, seven people stood and cheered. Coach Shula exclaimed, “I didn’t know there were Miami fans up here. I am deeply moved! Thank you!”
The group’s leader replied, “Mister, we don’t know you from Adam. The reason that we cheered was because the manager said that they would not show the movie until at least 10 persons were present. Thanks to you and your family, we can watch the movie.”
Meek and humble of heart
In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart”. In Colossians 3:12-15, St. Paul writes, “As God‘s chosen ones, clothe yourselves with heartfelt compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Humility is recognizing that our gifts and talents come from God as St. Paul learned and taught. Paul’s miraculous transformation is a reminder that God can take the least likely of us, and use our lives powerfully for His glory. Like St. Paul, we Catholics need the Holy Spirit to help us live humble, Christ-like lives. Humility helps us to overcome pride.
Examples of people of humility show us how to live in proper relationship with God. St. Teresa of Calcutta was certainly a humble little lady who was a giant before God. She knew what God called her to do and was not concerned about what people thought about her. Pope St. John Paul II was a compassionate pope who humbly sat on the stage on World Youth Day and laughed with the young people. Pope Francis too is a pope of humility. When someone asked who he was, he responded, “I am a sinner!”
Most, if not all of our sins are rooted in pride. An expression of pride is “Nobody is going to tell me what to do.”
Pride also manifests itself when we are deeply concerned about our status in this or that group at work, in our neighborhood, at school, at recreation, or wherever we are. Sometimes we may ask in exasperation, “Who do they think that they are? Who do they think they are talking to?” When we do this, we forget that we are nothing without God and everything only because of God.
Humility frees us to love
Some think that humility means denying our true worth, but true humility requires great strength. It frees us to love the people around us which takes commitment and courage. The humble person remembers that their talents and blessings are a gift from God for which they give praise and thanks.
Persons puffed up with pride tend to focus almost exclusively on their importance.
An army lieutenant’s receptionist informed the lieutenant that a private wanted to see him. When the private entered his office, the lieutenant, fresh from West Point, was talking on his phone.
“Yes, General,” he said, “I would be glad to play golf with you today. Say hello to the president for me.”
Then he hung up the phone!
“Welcome, Private, what can I do for you?” asked the lieutenant.
“I dunno,” stammered the private.
The lieutenant exclaimed, “Don’t be afraid! Even though I am an important lieutenant, I am a human person just like you!”
The private replied sheepishly, “The major sent me here to fix your phone. It has been out of order for two days.”
This encounter reminded me of the Bible passage, “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled.”
A wise man said that humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves. It is thinking of ourselves less. Humility helps us take the spotlight off ourselves. When we stop putting ourselves first, through the Holy Spirit, we can become more open to the needs of people around us as Jesus was.
Let us pray, “Jesus, help us to be humble as you are humble. You died on the cross to redeem us from our sins and offer us the gift of Heaven. Help us to reject selfish pride and become a humbler, Christ-like person both now and forever! AMEN!”
Fr. Donald Lange is a pastor emeritus in the Diocese of Madison.