“”God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:6-20
Humility is the key to Heaven. lack of humility is the reason Satan and his devils were thrown out of Heaven. They couldn’t handle the thought of God humbling himself to become a man through a human woman. Mary’s humility in her fiat drives them crazy with anger. Humility of man to come before God, admitting his sin and seeking mercy opens the floodgates of Heaven and Divine Mercy.
I heard of an image somewhere that depicts Satan having no knees because he can’t humble himself by bending his knee to God or Mary. As we look at God, we see Jesus doing just that as example for us. He humbles Himself to leave His throne to come to earth not in the form of God but as a man, and despite the coming passion and human fears felt, Jesus surrenders His fear and desires to the Will of the Father.
Jesus teaches us humility when at the last supper He removes His robe to wash the feet of His disciples, even those of His betrayer. This scene we witness in John’s Gospel (John 13:1-20) always brings tears to my eyes – my Emmaus brothers will get this.
When we serve others, without looking at what’s in it for us – we learn humility. When we come to God in our sin, begging for mercy – we learn humility. When we seek God’s Will in our lives, even when not comfortable – we learn humility.
“Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.”” Luke 32:41-42
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11
““Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” Matthew 11:28-30