Merriam-Webster defines humility as "the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people." It is, in my estimation a quality or state that is lost on far too many people in the United States-- there is an abundance of looking down on others these days... in fact, it is fashionable again to say that the poor are that way because of their own deficiencies-- that perhaps the rich are rich because they are somehow... better. I call this philosophy ... bullshit.
Welcome to Brothers and Sisters, the weekly meetup for prayer* and community at Daily Kos. We put an asterisk on pray* to acknowledge that not everyone uses conventional religious language, but may want to share joys and concerns, or simply take solace in a meditative atmosphere. Anyone who comes in the spirit of mutual respect, warmth and healing is welcome.
Today's Gospel was:
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”
John testified further, saying,
“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
John 1:29-34
...this is what got me to thinking about humility. In this passage John places all he has out there in service of his witness. He had no real possessions to speak of. All he had was his reputation...his character... who he was... and he risked all of that to be clear that he was witnessing for the Son of God. He was saying in essence, "Don't look at me--it's not about me. It's about this guy-- he's got the real goods."
We do much better work in service to others when we do it with a real sense of humility... not out of a sense of "helping out the little people."
I don't have a solution for the lack of humility-- for the need some people have to puff up and prove just how much better they are. I just know that things generally work out for the best when we are working together...no credit necessary.
Peace to all of you...
Dee