Holy Scripture, Brethren, Cries Out to Us, Saying
The sermon calls for a deep understanding and practice of humility as the path to spiritual exaltation.
St. Benedict of Nursia preaches on the importance of humility as a means to exaltation in the eyes of God. He emphasizes the need to avoid pride and instead embrace a humble mindset, drawing from the example of the Prophet who acknowledged his own humility before God. St. Benedict uses the imagery of Jacob's ladder to illustrate the concept that we descend through self-exaltation but ascend through humility, with our actions in this life serving as the steps of humility and discipline that lead us closer to God.
Text
Holy Scripture, brethren, cries out to us, saying, "Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:11).
In saying this it shows us that all exaltation is a kind of pride, against which the Prophet proves himself to be on guard when he says, "Lord, my heart is not exalted, nor are mine eyes lifted up; neither have I walked in great matters, nor in wonders above me" (Ps. 130[131]:1) But how has he acted? "Rather have I been of humble mind than exalting myself; as a weaned child on its mother's breast, so You solace my soul" (Ps. 130[131]:2).
Hence, brethren, if we wish to reach the very highest point of humility and to arrive speedily at that heavenly exaltation to which ascent is made through the humility of this present life, we must by our ascending actions erect the ladder Jacob saw in his dream, on which Angels appeared to him descending and ascending.
By that descent and ascent we must surely understand nothing else than this, that we descend by self-exaltation and ascend by humility. And the ladder thus set up is our life in the world, which the Lord raises up to heaven if our heart is humbled. For we call our body and soul the sides of the ladder, and into these sides our divine vocation has inserted the different steps of humility and discipline we must climb.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the theme of humility - Scriptural basis for humility - Contrast between pride and humility
- II points: - The example of the Prophet - Understanding true humility - The significance of a humble heart
- III points: - The ladder of humility - Descent through self-exaltation - Ascent through humility
- IV points: - Life as a ladder to heaven - Role of body and soul in humility - Steps of humility and discipline
Key Quotes
“Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Rather have I been of humble mind than exalting myself; as a weaned child on its mother's breast, so You solace my soul.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“We must surely understand nothing else than this, that we descend by self-exaltation and ascend by humility.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Practice humility in daily interactions to foster a closer relationship with God.
- Reflect on personal pride and seek ways to serve others selflessly.
- Engage in spiritual disciplines that promote a humble heart and mind.