True Humility Frees Us

Beads of Joy 03-22-11

True Humility Frees Us
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Being humble does not make us weak, it absolutely does not make us less effective spiritually; and by no means does it make it easy to push us around. Actually humility gives us a wonderful chance to stop thinking about ourselves. Without humility we seek honor, or praise. But with humility we do things for others without our name stamped all over it. And you do know that a humble person will learn and listen more openly to our Lord. Humble people are very teachable. Prideful people who tend to know so much about everything, aren't usually open to listen and learn. We need to allow our Lord in our lives, so that we can listen and learn by His example and His love.

It's humility that sometimes helps stop a war. It's humility that helps prevent a fight, and helps those involved look for a kinder way to settle things. It's humility in many ways that help support so many of the organizations that help the homeless and those out of work. Humility seeks no reward. It is by God's love in our hearts that we seek out ways to love others without reward. That dollar, or five dollars, or ten or twenty, you gave to the Cancer Society on your way out of Wal-Mart the other day, wasn't given with any expectation of recognition. You did that in the hopes that in some way you did help the cause, that helps others. Wasn't it through humility, that Jesus forgave those who murdered Him, publicly. Jesus lived a life that has taught us, we don't need to be some king, or wealthy person in order to find God, locate His whereabouts. We can be of the lowliest, barely making ends meet, poorer then poor person; and God will embrace us and accept us, as we are.

Let us reflect on a couple of scriptures:
"Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4

"In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:5-7

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:2-3

Today's Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12
(Jesus Denounces The Scribes and Pharisees)
"Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Questions To Ponder Today:
-Is Christ-Like humility a real part of who you are?
-Does humility weaken who we are in Jesus?
-If pleasing God is important, shouldn't we be humble?
-What kind of freedom is found in humility?
(Today humble yourself and anonymously
help someone you know who don't like you.)
Store gift card, a note of encouragement.
Goal: Not to take any credit for this act of charity...


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries

1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus