“As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’. You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 23:8-11)

Matthew 23:1-12

We are to be less than what we portray; our pumped-up images are not who we really are. We are invited to be humble, to discover the gift of humility. Humility allows us to drop false images and be honest about who we are and who God made us to be.

When we are humble, we can accept ourselves, whether good or bad. We receive our strengths and weaknesses, our successes and failures. Being humble and showing humility is being authentic about our lives and who we are and being comfortable with that. Humility is also the fertile ground of growth; humble people receive from others - the lights and the shadows - and can learn from them and grow.

False personas may paint us in a seemingly favourable light to others and inflate our egos. But, living this way, having a double life, and being untrue to others and especially ourselves can be exhausting and manifest in all sorts of negative ways.

When we walk with Jesus, we are stripped of these falsities because we are seen for who we are and loved as that person. Jesus loves us no matter what; wealth and worldly success do not influence the love and grace that we receive.

In what ways and areas do you consider yourself to show humility? 

Reflections by Gillian Hugo

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