Something for Sunday Morning

The Oath of Humility

I will make an effort not to be too preoccupied with my own concerns: my health, my rest, whether people think well of me and take me sufficiently into account.

I will try to speak as little as possible about myself, abouy my affairs, or about whatever can put me in a good light.

I will try to avoid curiosity, the desire to know everything and to let everyone know that I know it.

Patiently, with good humor, I will accept difficulties and offer them up joyfully as sacrifices to God.

I will not insist on my own point of view unless truth or justice demands it, and even then I will be moderate while remaining firm.

I will overlook the mistakes of others and find excuses for them and in all charity assist them to overcome their failings.

I will accept corrections even if they seem unfair.

I will give way on appropriate occasions to other people's opinions when charity or duty is not at stake.

I will avoid making a display of my good qualities, of my material possessions, of my knowledge.

It will not matter if I am despised, overlooked or not consulted in a field in which I think I have particular competence or have greater knowledge or experience.

I will not crave to be held in high esteem or to be admired.

Adapted from Francis Fernandez, III In Conversation with God, 45.3, p. 297.