“Humility alone is capable of seeing the truth, of enabling us to see ourselves as we really are.”
Reflection:
When we are humble, we compare ourselves not to others, but to God alone, before whom no one can be prideful.(1)
When we compare ourselves to Jesus Christ, we aim to be Christ-like and we realize our strengths and weaknesses. This is the beginning of repentance, seeing ourselves for who we really are.
Any guilt or feeling bad for our weaknesses is not the goal of repentance, but rather finding comfort in the love and mercy of our Lord as we realize where we fall short and change our ways to get back on track to Christ.
We may feel that our weaknesses or mistakes restrict us from growing and making progress in life, but as St John Climacus writes, “Where there is real humility, all bonds are made free.”(2)
When we turn to Christ in repentance and take part in Holy Confession, He gives our souls rest(3), and give us true inner peace and sense of direction in our lives.
Resources:
1) Vassilios Papavassiliou,Thirty Steps to Heaven, pg 45
2) Vassilios Papavassiliou,Thirty Steps to Heaven, pg 45
3) Matthew 11:29-30 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
