Matthew 18 begins with the question and call for true greatness. In my POWERful Bible journaling, I pondered the virtue of humility as a part of this call. From Archbishop Raymond Burke, “If we are to continue to grow in the science of divine love, then we must follow the Little Way of the Gospel, taught to us by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church, Doctor of the Science of Divine Love. Her Little Way begins with humility, with a childlike recognition of our complete dependence upon God for every breath we draw and for every good we desire to achieve. Humility inspires in us true confidence, confidence which rests not upon ourselves but upon God and the action of His grace within us. Humility before God and confidence in His never failing love lead then to the abandonment of ourselves to Divine Providence. When we practice humility, we turn to Christ daily anew, seeking to follow Him, and trusting that He will bring to fruition our feeble efforts to be His co-workers in the world.”
Emphasis mine. I found that to be a good explanation and example of humility and very appropriate for The Littlest Way.
POWERful Bible Journaling: Matthew 18
P –Lord, I want to practice the great virtue of humility, but I don’t want to be humbled. I want to have complete confidence in You, but I worry. I want to give my heart entirely to You, but sometimes (lots of times) I want my own way. And these contradictions are always at war within myself.
O –This whole chapter speaks of humility and being humbled. The first part is our Lord specifically pointing out the humility of a child. Next, the Parable of the Lost Sheep. How often do we try to do it on our own? Even though we may be lost or just in need of help from the Shepherd or someone inspired to help, we insist on doing it ourselves so as not put anyone out, or be a bother? Too often we run the risk of remaining lost don’t we? When we insist on making it on our own, without accepting help, we also deprive someone of the joy of helping. Hmm…
W —vs 22…Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.”
E –One of the greatest acts of humility is forgiveness. Many times when we are hurt or offended, it’s our pride; “How dare they…I can’t believe…Don’t they know…But I…” So the act of forgiving is setting our pride aside. We humble ourselves in order to forgive. We forget about getting what we think we deserve and instead focus on giving what we want. Do you get that?
R –One of the prayers I composed for myself states (you can find them here, Prayer Journal), “Lord make my heart tender, not easily offended yet forgiving when hurt. Teach me how to imitate Your meek and humble heart.”
Please share your POWERful reflections in the comments.
Michelle says
What was the servant missing? Maybe it was gratitude. When I fully realize what I’ve received and how much I was in need, my natural impulse is to pay if forward. Today, I’m getting back to my gratitude list.
Jenny says
Me too. I just pulled it back out the other day with the intention of counting my blessings again.
deb00 says
P- dear Lord thank you for a safe trip, for keeping me on task with Your word. Help me to draw closer to you each day.
O- Jesus reminds us we must become like little children who are trusting, believe without question, forgiving like no other, completely dependent, and purely innocent. Oh that I could be like a child. He also reminds us that we have been forgiven much so should forgive in return. As always, He reminds us of the importance of prayer
W- Mt 18:20 For where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
E- How much I could benefit by living with a childlike faith!!!!
R Dear Lord help me to have complete dependence on You and trust in You!!!! Remind me that You are in our midst when we pray.