We must take a moment to look at ourselves and see if we are not acting like the Pharisee in the Gospel, thinking we are better than others. It is easy to point out other people’s faults while ignoring our own. But true holiness begins when we recognize our weakness before God.
Avoiding the Trap of Pride
Sometimes we excuse our sins or blame others for our mistakes. But Jesus invites us to honesty, not comparison. The Pharisee in the temple said, “Thank you, Lord, that I am not like other men.” The tax collector, on the other hand, bowed his head and prayed, “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
Only the humble man went home forgiven. Pride blinds the soul. It makes us forget who we really are before God. But humility opens our hearts and allows His mercy to heal us.
Humility Brings Grace
Whether our soul is strong and peaceful, or we are struggling with sin and failure, we must always remain humble. Pride closes the door to grace, but humility invites God to come in.
Saint Augustine once said, “It was pride that changed angels into devils, it is humility that makes men as angels.” When we are humble, we realize that every good thing comes from God, not from ourselves.
The Path to Repentance
Humility leads to repentance. When we stop defending our sins and start admitting them, healing begins. True repentance is not about condemning ourselves. It is about returning to the truth, that we are loved, forgiven, and called to start again.
Even when we fall, God’s mercy never leaves us. The humble heart never gives up because it knows that God is good, patient, and full of compassion.
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
Let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, the most humble of all, to help us follow her example. Through humility, we will find peace, repentance, and holiness.
