5 September 2011: Three degrees of self-denial or humility

Forsaking ourselves and creatures which Jesus Christ insists so strongly has many degrees, especially three. The first is the ‘habitual disposition of losing all things’: possessions, reputation, health, life itself -- and ‘to suffer all things rather than commit a mortal sin’.
This first degree is necessary for us. Without it, an act of love would be a farce. We will be beyond salvation. Let us thank God for having called us to a vocation which teaches this desirable detachment.
However, we must not delude ourselves for we can keep it only through grace; in some circumstances, of a special grace. We must be humble, distrustful of self, and prompt in resorting to prayer in temptations. Still, this first degree does not guarantee salvation.
The second degree is ‘habitual disposition of losing all and suffering all, rather than commit a deliberate venial sin’. Strive to attain it otherwise, the first degree will be difficult, even impossible. Experience teaches: ‘He that condemns small things shall fall little by little.’
We cannot fulfil the obligation of tending to perfection unless we conquer what opposes it -- venial sin. If we resist God’s will for us, we can never enjoy true peace of heart. ‘Who had resisted him and has had peace?’ We cannot do great things to save souls.
It is in our power to attain the second degree, and to remain in it. The proof is given to us in the acts of beatification and in the lives of many Servants of God.
The third degree is the ‘disposition of preferring to be poor with Jesus Christ in his poverty’ than in his abundance. To be forgotten and despised with Jesus Christ who was humiliated and insulted, than to live in honor. To be on the cross with Jesus crucified than to enjoy consolations and delights of this life, so that we may greatly resemble Jesus, our divine model, and be better able to prove our love.
This third degree is not impossible to human weakness sustained by grace. Witness the Apostles and the numerous martyrs who rejoiced in being stripped of all, scoffed at, spat upon, condemned to death for the name of Jesus. How many abandon an accustomed life of luxury for love of Jesus?
These examples tend to encourage us. The perfect imitation of Jesus Christ gives peace and joy of heart amidst tribulations, abundance of divine blessings, assurance of salvation, pledge of glory in heaven.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp558-60

Self-Discipline
In one of the most puzzling parables of the Gospels, Jesus talked about the unjust steward. He was an energetic operator who got into debt, gave discounts, developed connections, etc. Jesus praised the drive and efficiency of the unjust steward. The children of this world are more efficient than the children of light.
Similarly, we who are called to become saints, to advance the cause of Jesus Christ, ought to look at the salesmen and manufacturers of this modern world and hang our heads in shame.
If we would only put into our prayer life and apostolic works the concentration, drive, energy and imagination of business people -- then we would really progress towards being Christlike and apostolic. But we are so easily content with mediocrity.
Somehow will power is the key to growth in the spiritual life. It takes will power to avoid sins and vices, to pray always, to attend daily Mass, to live simply, to love and help others. Will power can be developed with a strong will. The person must be dissatisfied with slovenly living, set high standards and live up to them.
Ref: “The Vatican II Weekday Missal”, 1975, pp964, 967-8

The inordinate desire for praise and fame
Ambition, a form of pride often causes deep regret. Everybody has a natural desire (noble if proper) for honor and glory. Ambition is but a wrong inclination for honor, to exercise authority, or to be in a position that seems superior or at least appears to be so.
True humility is not against the legitimate desire for personal advancement in social life, to enjoying the earned professional prestige, to receiving the honor which every human being deserves. But the humble person doesn’t show off. His aim in life is to fulfill a mission for God and others; not to be highly esteemed.
The virtue of humility is not about being shy, timid, or mediocre. It causes us to be fully aware of our God-given talents and, with a right intention, make them fruitful in our life. Humility makes us always acknowledge that our talents and virtues, both natural and those of grace, come from God: “from his fulness we have all received” (Jn 1:16).
To grow in humility we must appreciate our nothingness relative to all the gifts God has given us: talents from which he expects fruit. Humility avoids our developing an inferiority complex (often, wounded pride). It makes us cheerful and of service to others, and desirous of loving God: ‘Our Lord will supply everything we lack.’
In order to walk on the path of humility we must learn to accept the inevitable humiliating events of life. We ask Our Lord that they serve us in uniting to him; and that he would teach us to regard them as a heaven-sent opportunity to make amends without losing face. Total sincerity assures growing in this virtue.
A readiness to change our minds indicates humility. “Only the stupid are obstinate; the very stupid are very obstinate.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 274)
To admit our mistake when we are wrong is not humility, but honesty. Humility gives unity to all the virtues. The humble person respects others, their opinions and things; and possesses a special fortitude. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:10)
Our Mother the Virgin Mary, she in whom God did great things because he looked upon her humility, will teach us to seek the place which corresponds to us before God and before others. She will help us to progress in this virtue and to love it as a precious gift.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:513-6; 518

• Our Lady of Bois, near Arras. A knight, who attempted to turn this chapel into a stable, in the the year 1478, was killed on the spot by his horse. — Triple Couronne, n. 62. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of the Woods (near Arras, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of the Woods near Arras, France 1621. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of the Woods (Galloro, Italy, 1621). (http://mariedenazareth.com)
• Our Lay of the Woods, Galloro (1621). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Our Lady of Smolensk. Russia. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)