Meekness & humility

The two interior virtues Christ Himself named as the dispositions of His Heart: "Learn of Me, for I am meek and humble of Heart."

Why this practice

In the whole Gospel, Christ speaks of His own Heart only once: "Learn of Me, for I am meek and humble of Heart, and you shall find rest for your souls." The Sacred Heart devotion is finally about becoming what that verse describes.

Meekness is strength under restraint. It is the lion that does not roar at the child. Humility is the truth about oneself before God. Both are dispositions, not feelings; they are practiced, not waited for.

How to begin

1Each morning, choose one occasion where meekness will be required of you today — and resolve in advance to be meek there.

2When provoked, count three before answering. The pause is the first form of meekness.

3Receive correction without defending yourself, even when you could. The Heart of Jesus did not defend Himself before Pilate.

4Each evening, examine: where did meekness fail today? Where did humility hold? Without harshness, name and resolve.

Learn of Me, for I am meek and humble of Heart, and you shall find rest for your souls.

— Matthew 11:29

A prayer for this practice

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart — make my heart like unto Thine. Where I am quick to anger, make me slow. Where I am proud, bring me low. Form in me the dispositions of Thy Heart, that I may find Thy rest.

Amen.

When you're ready

Abandonment to His Will →