Christ-Like Humility written by Jiji Mathew ( Philadelphia )
Christ-Like Humility
St. Luke 1:39-56
As I read the story of Mary visiting Elizabeth, I can’t help but notice something that I never noticed before. The interaction, dialogue and mindset that these two blessed women have demonstrate a virtue that we as Christians must imitate. That virtue is none other than humility.
We see Elizabeth, the much older cousin, greet Mary by saying, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1: 42-43). Mary, knowing she will be call blessed for generations to come, responds by saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant” (Luke 1: 47-48).
In a time where Elizabeth’s age culturally demands respect, she offers hers first to her much younger cousin. When Mary could have been most prideful of all women in her selection as the God-bearer, she humbles herself and refers to herself as His servant. The humility these women show is truly noteworthy!
We see this virtue of humility throughout the bible, revealed to us perfectly in the incarnation of the Word. From His humble birth in a manger to His blameless, voluntary death on the cross, God himself is the ultimate manifestation of humility.
St. Paul offers the most complete description and admonition to true humility in Philippians 2: 5-11 by saying, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”
During this Advent season (and for the rest of our lives), let’s be reminded that in our daily process of becoming like God (theosis), we need to include and apply the virtue of humility. In an age and culture where humility is seen as a weakness, let’s be reminded of the great men and women of the bible and church who have found strength and have given strength to others through humility. And as with any virtue, credit and glory shall always be given to the Trinity from which all virtues originate.
Questions for Meditation
1) In what areas of your life are you most prideful?
2) How can replacing that part of your life with Christ-like humility help?
Author’s Information
Name: Jiji Mathew
Area: Philadelphia
Email Address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it