The Way to Christ
"The way to Christ is first through humility, second through humility, and third through humility." In this day and age, people measure each other's esteem by the achievements, entitlements, and victories they get. We can say that in this modern world, people thirst for the aforementioned qualities. Upon meditating on humility, I remembered what Bishop Soc said about humility: "Humility means knowing that we need God and that we depend on him for everything." "Humility is knowing that with God, anything is possible and that we can accomplish anything through the strength he provides." After considering these, I see many prerequisites for acquiring the virtue of humility. Thus, I consider self-denial, self-knowledge, and meekness as prerequisites to acquiring the virtue of humility.
Humility requires self-denial. Our Lord says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24). There is an element of humility in denying oneself because we lessen the idea that we are much more important than others. CS Lewis said, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less." In denying oneself, we become other-centered and let go of our selfish inclinations.
Humility requires self-knowledge. St. John of the Cross shares his idea on humility, wherein self-knowledge is given much significance: "Do not rely upon the vain commendations of others, but upon what you really know of yourself." Self-knowledge includes the negative as well as the positive sides of your personality. Humility is seeing yourself as God sees you. This is very important to recognize because we might also fall into false humility. It should be balanced so that we may know and recognize the truth about ourselves that God gave us.
Humility requires meekness. Our Lord says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." Ultimately, we can see humility in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the cross, we see all the virtues that He exemplified. Meekness is not the same as cowardice; it is a normal attitude toward one another. We can see how we demonstrate this virtue by the way we communicate with others. Speaking to other people with meekness is imitating the words of Jesus.
Humility is the only way to heaven; may we see each other there. "Pride turned angels into devils; humility transformed men into angels." (St. Augustine)
