Humility
On Labor Day, we honor the dignity of work and those whose labor sustains our families, communities, and nation. Work is a daily opportunity to practice humility: respecting coworkers, being willing to listen, and serving without demanding recognition. True humility acknowledges that all talents and opportunities—all we have comes from God, and is a sacred gift. Our labor is meant to serve not just ourselves, but the good of others.
In ordinary life, humility can be lived in small, almost hidden ways. It can be as simple as apologizing when we are wrong, letting others speak first, or showing gratitude for even the
smallest kindnesses. It can be quietly helping a neighbor, or working diligently without needing public praise. Even letting someone go ahead of us in line, or yielding to another car in traffic, is a small act of humility. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but about thinking of ourselves less.
Prayer is central to cultivating humility. As our parish focuses on the 10 Habits of a Disciple, we begin with the importance of daily prayer. Prayer allows us to bring our problems, concerns, and hopes to God who desires to be in relationship with us, and then to listen. Sometimes prayer is simply sitting in silence, giving God the space to speak.
But humility is essential in prayer. We must be willing to accept that God’s response may not be what we want to hear. Being humble means acknowledging that God sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us, even when His answer is difficult. In this way, prayer becomes an act of surrender—a way of saying, “Lord, your will, not mine, be done.”
Let us strive to live with the humility of Christ in our homes, workplaces, and communities. May we choose the lowest place with confidence that God Himself will lift us up. And above all, let us remember the importance of daily prayer. For in praying, we not only deepen our relationship with God, but we also allow Him to shape us into better disciples of Jesus—disciples who live humility not just in word, but in action.
Lord Jesus, You humbled Yourself to become one of us and taught us to take the lowest place. Teach us to live each day with humility—at home, at work, and in our communities. Help us to turn to You in daily prayer, sharing our joys and struggles, and listening for Your voice. May we accept Your will with trust, and may our lives reflect the love and humility
of Your Incarnation.