Humility in Families

Where does the virtue of humility fit in with our family life? I believe that this is an essential part of family life that is pleasing to God and this quality should also flow out into our private and public life. 

We all know the warning from Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  

During our day, there can be many opportunities to choose to behave with a humble spirit instead of a prideful one. As parents we can be examples to our children on how to practice this virtue of humility by choosing to seek ways that we can help others rather than putting all the attention on us. 

God smiles when he sees his children, young and old, working quietly without fanfare behind the scenes. 

I think of St. Joseph the carpenter who lived his life as a gracious foster father to Jesus and a strong and devoted protector to the Holy Family as a perfect example of living humility in our families. 

The virgin mother Mary exemplifies her humility in her prayer of praise to God in her beautiful Magnificat. She gives all credit and glory to God who is mighty and has done great things!  

Jesus teaches us that it is better to take the low place and expect no reward than to expect or demand that we receive praise as if God didn’t have anything to do with our accomplishments. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto thine.