Beloved in Christ,
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk 14:11). This Sunday’s readings beautifully emphasize the themes of humility and hospitality. The scripture invites us to embrace humility as the essential virtue in overcoming pride and vainglory, which lead us astray. As the saying goes, pride goes before a fall; humility is the uplifting force that elevates us. Our spiritual journey and growth are rooted in the foundational principle of humility. The English word "humility" itself comes from the Latin "humilitas," meaning lowliness or lowness, and originally from the Latin "humus," meaning earth, soil, or dirt. The book of Genesis reminds us that we are created from this earth, into which God breathes life. To ascend to spiritual heights, we must return to our humble beginnings. The Blessed Mother Mary teaches us that God exalts the lowly (see her Magnificat- Lk 1:51-52). Remember, being humble does not mean devaluing oneself. As C.S. Lewis insightfully remarked, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
One of the most profound expressions of humility is the litany attributed to Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val y Zulueta, Secretary of State to Pope Saint Pius X. Though it may seem daunting, it serves as a powerful reminder in our practice of humility. Recite this prayer regularly and strive to embody its teachings in your life. Here it is:
LITANY OF HUMILITY
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being praised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being approved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I go unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. Amen.
Tomorrow is Labor Day, which traditionally marks the end of summer vacation and the beginning of regular school and parish activities. Most of our students and teachers have already returned to their classrooms, and we wish them a blessed school year. This week also includes First Friday and Saturday. As we dedicate our devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, let us pray for students, teachers, and those seeking employment, that they may lead dignified lives.
Happy Labor Day!
Fr. Alayode, OP
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Lk 14:11). This Sunday’s readings beautifully emphasize the themes of humility and hospitality. The scripture invites us to embrace humility as the essential virtue in overcoming pride and vainglory, which lead us astray. As the saying goes, pride goes before a fall; humility is the uplifting force that elevates us. Our spiritual journey and growth are rooted in the foundational principle of humility. The English word "humility" itself comes from the Latin "humilitas," meaning lowliness or lowness, and originally from the Latin "humus," meaning earth, soil, or dirt. The book of Genesis reminds us that we are created from this earth, into which God breathes life. To ascend to spiritual heights, we must return to our humble beginnings. The Blessed Mother Mary teaches us that God exalts the lowly (see her Magnificat- Lk 1:51-52). Remember, being humble does not mean devaluing oneself. As C.S. Lewis insightfully remarked, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
One of the most profound expressions of humility is the litany attributed to Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val y Zulueta, Secretary of State to Pope Saint Pius X. Though it may seem daunting, it serves as a powerful reminder in our practice of humility. Recite this prayer regularly and strive to embody its teachings in your life. Here it is:
LITANY OF HUMILITY
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being praised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being approved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I go unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. Amen.
Tomorrow is Labor Day, which traditionally marks the end of summer vacation and the beginning of regular school and parish activities. Most of our students and teachers have already returned to their classrooms, and we wish them a blessed school year. This week also includes First Friday and Saturday. As we dedicate our devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, let us pray for students, teachers, and those seeking employment, that they may lead dignified lives.
Happy Labor Day!
Fr. Alayode, OP
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