EACH MONTH IN THE 12 STEPS OF HUMILITY WE ARE CLIMBING SAINT BENEDICT’S LADDER OF HUMILITY. WITH EACH RUNG WE COME CLOSER TO THE PERFECT LOVE OF GOD.
THE LADDER IS OUR LIFE ON EARTH, IF WE HUMBLE OUR HEART GOD WILL RAISE IT TO HEAVEN. ~ ST. BENEDICT
THE TWELFTH STEP OF HUMILITY:
A monk always manifests humility to those around [her]. ~ The Rule of Benedict
I am bowed down and humbled in every way. ~ Psalm 38:6
Whatever our influences are they will show themselves in our attitudes and actions toward others. If we are careful to keep our hearts and minds on God’s way that will come through to those in our path.
Humility connects us to the world… calms us and it calms others. It inspires and it assures; it enriches and it enables. Humility gifts us with happiness and graces the world with peace. ~Joan Chittister*
Saint Benedict’s 12 Steps of Humility are a difficult list of expectations. Certainly they are demands that one cannot attain without consistent help from the Divine.
Thankfully God knows our heart and gifts us with the strength and abilities we need to press into His presence and begin the transformation process.
But it’s up to us to take the first step with intention. By recognizing God’s presence, accepting His will and the spiritual leadership He puts before us, we can persevere, acknowledge our faults, live contently and honestly, restrain our mouth and laughter so we can listen and learn from others.
Hopefully at some point we will be centered and serene enough that others will see in us the humility that we are trying to achieve.
The Rule of Benedict: A Spirituality for the 21st Century by Joan Chittister
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