The Practice of Humility
I will strive to get a great contempt for myself, and to pray and desire that others may do the same. I have nothing which God has not given me; I can do nothing without God’s grace and help. In a few, very few, years my name will be forgotten, What would people think of me if they knew me as I know myself? My pride and desire for praise; my mean uncharitable thoughts about others; my fear of humiliation; the imperfect way I have lived in the society; the sins I have committed, the scandal given, the terrible harm done to others by making them tepid, breaking rules etc
COMMENT: What a refreshing list from one who is proposed for canonisation! The saints were holy, but they were not perfect. They were sinners. They had a fallen human nature. But they did not compromise with this; they struggled, they fought and, with God’s grace, they overcame their weaknesses in varying degrees. We see the same progression in the life of Fr Willie. It is a sign of hope for us all.
Humility is possibly the greatest virtue, especially as self obsession has grown with the decline of organised Religion.I see the Milltown address mentioned, I thought that was sold and that my neighbours at Manresa House are now the Jesuit HQ.?
We all have to agree with the above passages: we are all sinners, and perfection in this life is something for which we can only strive to obtain. And yes, humility is the foundation upon which all virtue rests and is nurtured. One cannot be genuinely charitable or patient, or generous, etc. unless one has a strong and true degree of humility. Jesus “humbled Himself…”so if God Himself is our example of humility, so too, must we imitate that, but even more, we have a duty to try daily to be humble. Father Doyle, please help us to see ourselves for who we really are, and to see God for the Greatness that He is, and this truth will enable us to be who He wants us to be.