Humility is a realization of our own nothingness before Almighty God. It is defined by Saint Bernard as the virtue by which a man becomes vile in his own eyes through a thorough knowledge of himself; and by Saint Thomas as a virtue by which a man, considering his own defects, keeps himself in the lowest place according to his degree. Think over these definitions, and examine yourself whether you are humble as judged by them.
It is not enough to be conscious of our own vileness or to esteem ourselves as nothing. We must acquiesce in, and be satisfied with our own nothingness. Humility is not perfect until self is so obliterated that we are willing to be esteemed according to our deserts. When we can honestly say that what we look to in all our thoughts, words and actions is not our own advantage and interest, but simply the honor of God, quite independently of what will further our own profit, then we may begin to thank God that we are in the way of humility.
If this is really the case, we shall not only esteem ourselves as vile, but we shall desire to be treated accordingly. We shall not shrink from being humbled in the eyes of men, but shall court humiliation, as it will be a satisfaction to us to be treated as we deserve. This is hard for human nature, but it is possible for all with the grace of God. It will not come at once, but we may hope to reach it someday. Have I attained it? Do I desire it? Do I even accept humiliations, or do I chafe under them and resent them?
- text from Humility, Thirty Short Meditations by Father Richard Frederick Clarke, SJ