Our new self is destined to be “like him”, like Jesus, who is the perfect image of the Father. Jesus is the Way and the Way that he shows us is a way of humility. St. Paul instructs us to, “Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him…” (Phil 2,5ff) Jesus shows us the way of self-emptying love that is seen in the humility of the servant. He reveals to us in a very personal way that when we humble ourselves before others, then God can exalt us. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 14,10)
Humility matters in the spiritual life. Humility matters because it was the way of Jesus. Jesus invites his disciples: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” (Mt 11,29) Humility is not merely self-deprecation. Humility is living in the truth and simplicity of who we are meant to be. It is a love that is expressed in service to others. The truth is that everything that we have and are comes as a gift and grace from God. Our life belongs to God and is given for others in service. Jesus taught his disciples: “Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt 20,26ff)
Humility comes from a pure heart. “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God.” (Mt 5,8) A pure heart is a humble and obedient heart that seeks not its own good but seeks to be pleasing to God and to serve others. Humility is the visible face of purity of heart. The humble, contrite and pure heart is filled with the presence of God through his Holy Spirit of love and truth. Humility prepares the heart to love and the intellect to embrace the truth. Humble yourself before God and he will lift you up and draw you to himself and you will see the face of God.