The Peril of Pride: Navigating Spiritual Obstacles in the Pursuit of Divine Light

Pride is described as a vast, impenetrable wall that blocks the light of the noetic sun—the divine wisdom and illumination of the Holy Spirit. Saint Sophrony, echoing the wisdom of ancient ascetics, identifies pride as the principal obstacle to spiritual enlightenment. It is termed an "ugly passion," a "dark abyss," and the "diabolic seed of death." Such descriptions underscore the grave spiritual danger that pride represents, casting it as the essence of hell itself. This dark passion not only alienates individuals from God but plunges the whole earth into the darkness of despair.

Humility as the Antidote to Pride

In the face of such a formidable enemy, the Church teaches that humility is the essential antidote. The Lord's command to consider oneself a "useless servant" after fulfilling all duties (Luke 17:10) serves as a crucial reminder of this virtue. This mindset helps prevent self-satisfaction with one's achievements—whether material, intellectual, or spiritual—which can lead to pride. By acknowledging our actions as merely our duty, we maintain a posture of humility, recognizing that everything we achieve is through God's grace and not our own merit.

The Impact of Pride on Relationships

The spiritual consequences of pride extend beyond the individual's inner life. When a person shows contempt towards others or neglects "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40), who represent Christ, they risk severing their relationship with God. Orthodox teaching emphasizes that one's relationship with God is deeply intertwined with one's relationships with others. Offending or neglecting others can diminish the grace of God in one's life, making spiritual progress nearly impossible.

The Role of the Incarnation and Faith

The Incarnation of Christ is central to overcoming these spiritual obstacles. It serves as the wellspring of divine light, providing the foundational vision necessary for overcoming pride. Through the Incarnation, believers are reminded of the profound humility of Christ, who, being God, took on human nature and dwelt among us. This act provides a model of humility and service that is antithetical to pride.

Additionally, correct faith is crucial as it establishes and nourishes the right relationship with the Lord. This faith leads to repentance, which in turn illuminates and strengthens the believer's relationship with God, gradually uniting the believer’s heart with the Spirit of God.

Embracing Humility in the Pursuit of Holiness

The journey towards divine light in Orthodox Christianity requires vigilance against the perils of pride and a heartfelt embrace of humility. By following Christ’s example and teachings, believers can dismantle the barriers that pride erects and open themselves to the transforming grace of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, they not only draw closer to God but also foster genuine connections with those around them, fulfilling the greatest commandments to love God and neighbor. Through humility and faithful obedience, the faithful can navigate the spiritual obstacles and continue their journey towards the illumination and union with the divine.

Reference: Alive From the Dead: Homilies on Great Lent, Archemandrite Zacharias Zacharou

When Attacked, Respond with Love and Humility

Psalm 37 (38) verses 14 & 15 say in response to slander and personal attacks described in previous verses:

But I like a deaf man do not hear, And I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. I am like a man who does not hear, And who has no reproofs in his mouth

David demonstrates this in the story of Shimei (2 Samuel 16:5-13). It is about an man who cursed and threw stones at David, but David did not respond or retaliate. Instead he accused himself of being worthy of such reproof. He responded in this way even though he had soldiers with him who could have killed Shimei who was from an enemy camp. 
Reflecting on this story we are reminded how we too are called to act in this way. But we realize how difficult it is to act similarly when we are attacked in anyway. 
The commentary of St. Ambrose on this Psalm reminds us of how Christ similarly responded as He was being falsely accused by Pilot.  As Elder Aimilianos says, “To be sure, it is no small thing to be patient, to act as if nothing were happening, when others are slandering you”. 

David shows how when we trust in God, we can recognize our own sinfulness when attacked by others and respond only with love. With love we will be like one who does not hear and is like a mute with no reproofs in his mouth.

From Saint Porphyrios says:

When someone injures us in whatever way, whether with slanders or with insults, we should think of him as our brother who has been taken hold of by the enemy. He has fallen victim to the enemy. Accordingly we need to have compassion for him and entreat God to have mercy both on us and on him, and God will help both. If, however, we are filled with anger against him, then the enemy will jump from him to us and make a mockery of us both. A person who condemns others does not love Christ. Our egotism is at fault. This is where condemnation of others stems from. (Wounded by Love, p 18)

Humility!

Humility! The basis of all the virtues and the fundamental requirement for spiritual fruition. Do you have humility? You have God, You have everything! You don’t have humility? You lose everything! So retain the feeling of humility in your heart. Our natural and normal relationship with God requires a heart which is impassioned, contrite and entirely devoted to Him, a heart which cries mystically at every moment: ‘Lord, You know all things; save me!’ If we surrender ourselves into His hands, He’ll do with and for us whatever’s best for our salvation, according to His wise and holy will. Saint Theophan the Recluse 

The soul that has acquired humility is always mindful of God, and thinks to herself: 'God has created me. He suffered for me. He forgives me my sins and comforts me. He feeds me and cares for me. Why then should I take thought for myself, and what is there to fear, even if death threaten me?' The Lord enlightens every soul that has surrendered to the will of God, for He said: Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.   Saint Silouan the Athonite

COMPARISON OF HUMILITY AND PRIDE

Pride first manifests itself in the human heart. We can tell how deeply we are possessed by this sin by examining our own thoughts. To contrast humility and pride, here we juxtapose the two:

• A proud heart loves only itself. A humble heart loves everyone.
• A proud heart always promotes its own ego. A humble heart never talks about itself.
• A proud one is filled with envy. A humble one is filled with love.
• Pride exposes its gifts. Humility hides them. Pride boasts about its deeds. Humility never mentions them.
• Pride loves and is flattered by praise.
Humility avoids and is embarrassed by such.
• Pride remembers the evil done against it. Humility remembers only the good.
• Pride talks of vengeance. Humility speaks of love.
• Pride has a high opinion of itself. Humility remembers that all good things are a gift from God.
• A proud heart considers itself righteous. A humble one acknowledges its sinfulness.
• Pride seeks vengeance, hates others and finds joy in their misfortunes.
Humility forgives, loves and is happy when others succeed.
• A proud heart is self-confident. A humble one is filled with trust in God.
Pride seeks to be number one, does not tolerate superiority and if it meets such, it responds with envy.
• Humility seeks the last seat for itself and rejoices when others prosper and excel.
• Pride desires to be a king. Humility desires to be a servant.
• A proud heart is a well from which all bad things come forth.
A humble heart is a spring from which all good things flow.
• Pride destroys us spiritually. Humility saves us.
• If we ask pride: "What do you tell the hearts that give you refuge?" it will answer: "I tell them: Learn and show your virtues, quality and value and the whole world will bow to you and admire you. Then you
will be content." If we ask humility the same question, it will answer: "I tell them: Consider yourself nothing and you will have peace in God."
• Pride brings darkness to our hearts, humility brings light. In a heart that harbors pride there is no room for humility, since light and darkness cannot coexist in the same place. The brighter the day becomes in the morning, the further it pushes darkness away. The same happens in our inner lives —as our hearts fill with humility even the vestige of pride disappears.

Metropolitan Hilario Dorostolski

One Necessity - Humility

Jesus tells us,

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4)

As we enter the Lenten Fast that is a gift of the Church to help us grow spiritually, it's good to reflect on this simple passage that Jesus spoke to His disciple when asked who is the greatest. But what does it mean to be humble and how does one humble oneself?

The Orthodox Study Bible defines humility as follows:

Humility, without which there is no virtue at all, is the acknowledgement of divine grace, and the constant denial of man's achievement.

This reminds us that whenever we are feeling like we have made an achievement by our own effort we have lost humility. We must acknowledge that divine grace is operating in all our actions. This means we must learn to live in constant prayer.

Worldly events move very quickly and we act instinctively most of the time. When things go the way we intended them, and we have the feeling of pride, we need to acknowledge the source of our achievement, His grace. Our pride should be in our willingness to follow God's grace in all our actions.

Of course this demands faith, a deep belief in God and that all that is good and beneficial only comes from Him, His grace working through us. Faith is always the foundation for a spiritual life. When it is weak we will easily succumb to ego-centered pride and will not have true humility.

This does not mean we do not work to develop our skills or to encourage our children to develop their talents. We just always remember that God gave us these talents and we are expected to develop them so we can do His will as we carry on with our daily life.

Let's examine ourselves during this Lenten period and observe how well we acknowledge the work of divine grace in our lives. Let's ask, how close to we come to living a life with continual prayer were God is in our mind at all times? How often do we acknowledge God's grace in our actions? What is our level of humility? What can we do to become more humble yet not neglect any of our duties nor fully use our talents?

One discipline to help us in this is the Jesus Prayer. It is a prayer of humility and one that when practiced like the Fathers instruct us will lead us to a mind where this prayer going continually no matter what we are doing.

For more on the Jesus Prayer

Gaining Humility in a Busy and Competitive World?

Jesus told His disciples,  ‘Learn from my example, because I am meek and humble in heart and your souls will find rest’ (Matth. 11, 29)

As Christians we are called to become like Christ, meek and humble, learning from His example.  But what does our society teach us? Speaking personally, growing up I learned the opposite of humility. I was taught to be proud, to strive to be better than others in school, to win over others in individual sports, to rely on my own intelligence and will.  I entered the business world in a large corporation and quickly learned that you needed to look better than others to be promoted and to earn the better jobs. I succeeded, but there were times when the stress was so high that I had to take tranquilizers to calm my nerves.  My mind was always occupied with thoughts about how to survive in this competitive world. I was consumed by trying to be "successful." I aways feared that my livelihood and even my being might be threatened if I did not perform well.  I was seen as very successful and had to maintain it.

After I had achieved the senior management position at a young age as a vice president of a major Fourtune 500 US corporation, it dawned on me that there had to be more in this world than such worlly success. Once I had the title that represented success, that title no longer had any meaning. I didn't know what was missing, but I began seeking in different way. I was an Orthodox convert by marriage but the church at that time taught in Greek and the services were almost all Greek. I was uplifted when I attended services but did not learn how to deal with the inner conflict I was experiencing.

Elder Joseph tells us the following

Βlessed and favored people who are humble are meek, calm, serene, attached to virtue, opposed to evil, untroubled by any circumstance or threat. They live in the bosom of the faith, like infants in the maternal embrace of grace. They never live for themselves, because they’ve forgotten what that is.  

This is what I was missing, humility.  I was proud of my pride.  I believed that what I accomplished was all do to my own will. If I failed it would also be by my own doing.  But I knew there were so many extraneous factors in business success that I had no control over and many people worked for me or  with me to accomplish what we did. I carried a large burden. My superiors put the success of my organization on me and I knew they would blame me for any failure. The reality was that I was not really in control of all the factors of the success they sought. Up to now I had been lucky by the circumstances of my success.

How could I become humble and still compete in the corporate world? I definitely desired calmness, wanted to be virtuous and untroubled by circumstances or threats. But I feared I might lose my success.

Elder Joseph says,

Humility penetrates and is penetrated, it doesn’t fear, doesn’t question, doesn’t seek and therefore doesn’t move.  

It wasn't until many years later after leaving the corporate world that I began to understand what humility was and how difficult it is to attain. I was fortunate to have left this environment.

Elder Joseph says,

According to the Fathers, humility is a gift of the Holy Spirit, not merely a human accomplishment. It’s given to those who desire it, seek it and work painstakingly on the things which contribute to the successful acquisition of this blessing. 

This is a key insight. Humility is a gift of God. It's not something we can gain on our own. We must desire it and nurture it, but it is only through God's grace that we gain this Christ like state. So how do we do this?

Elder Joseph tells us,

Those who desire to be worthy of the gift of humility should know that the greatest contributory factor in this is recognition of the passionate state into which all the passions have brought us after the Fall, as well as the noxious consequences of a sinful life. 

The answer is so simple: Repentance. This is the first thing Jesus taught when He entered into His public ministry. We must come to terms with our brokenness, the sickness of our soul, and embrace the true nature of our condition, surrendering ourselves to be held in His arms to help us and guide us. 

After 70 years of life, this is still a challenge. My growth in this direction has taken many small steps and I realize that I am a long way from this ideal.  Lately, I have found great benefit from a wise and holy spiritual father who has planted thoughts that lead me and observations that I must deal with. But I now listen to every word he utters and do not question it like I used to do. Uncovering our sinfulness requires that we believe that we are broken and are therefore desire to receive thoughts and suggestions that will help us deal with our fallen condition. We become joyful when we gain new insights about our condition. We are thankful for any help we receive. We cannot see this as weakness but a necessity for our well being, a true gift of God. 

In addition to having a spiritual father whom your trust, I have found great value in the practice of the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner." This prayer instantly reminds you of your need for God's mercy and your sinfulness. It also penetrates your mind in a way that brings calmness in any situation when you are able to call on this simple but powerful prayer.

I would like to hear from you about how you have dealt with this issue in our competitive society. 

Reference: Elder Joseph of Vatopaidi-On Humility and the Humble Outlook

Why We Should Blame Ourselves

Saint Dorotheos give us a most difficult teaching. He says, 

"The root cause of every disturbance, if we examine it carefully, is from not blaming ourselves.... Whatever happens to us, whether it be damage, or dishonor or any other affliction, we deem ourselves worthy of it and are never troubled."

We logically respond, "if someone upsets me and I have have not done anything to justify this, how and why should I think of myself being worthy of this?"  Saint Dorotheos answers this by saying that if we search ourselves more deeply with "fear of God" we will find that there was a word, a gesture, a facial expression or a deed that triggered the seemingly unjust action in the other person. Then, if we think further still not seeing any error, we can search into the past and think about how we might have offended this person at some earlier time causing their attitude that caused them to act in a way that upset us at this time. Even digging more deeply, maybe they suffer from some other sin or had a recent encounter that upset them and is being reflected in their current action against us. Therefore, our reaction was not called for we should have been more sympathetic to their distress. Saint Dorotheos says, "Therefore, as I said, if a person searches himself in the fear of God and diligently examines his own conscience, he will certainly find that he is guilty."

The very fact that another person upsets us indicates that we have hidden in our subconsciousness a passion that is triggered by another person's action. When someone does something that upsets us it gives us cause to dig deep into our inner being to discover why we react in this way.  We know all our brothers and sisters are sinners like ourselves. Why would their action be cause to turn us to anger or being upset? If we have love for our neighbor as we are called to by Scripture, we would have compassion for the plight of our brethren.  We would not act in a way that would cause them further difficulty, but instead, try to act in a way that would lead them to overcome their sinfulness. Our caring thoughts would then be directed towards them rather than ourselves.

I think this teaching gets at the core of the meaning of "love your enemy".  When our soul is strong and our heart pure, we can withstand any affront by another person without being upset. We become able to maintain our inner calm no matter how we are attacked. Besides, what good does it do to get upset?  What is achieved in worldly terms other than create distress and turmoil? We lose our inner peace and most likely separate ourselves from God, and are now unable to respond in a godly loving manner.

Saint Dorotheso writes,

In truth, whatever we may suffer, we suffer it because of our sins. If the saints suffered, they suffered for God's name or to demonstrate their virtue for the benefit of many or to gain greater reward from God. As for us wretches, how can we say this? We sin like this daily and in seeking to satisfy our passion, we abandoned the right path, which the Fathers spoke about, that of self-accusation. Each one of us follows the wrong path, tries on every occasion to put the case against his brother and throw the burden of responsibility upon him. Each one of us is negligent and keeps nothing, but demands that our neighbor keeps the commandments.

Let's challenge ourselves to reflect on this teaching. Think about your inner peace and how important it is to retain it and how easy it is to lose it. How often we fail to think in loving terms about the condition of our neighbor. We know we are better servants of our Lord when we maintain this inner peace. Try using those instances where we are upset by others to learn something about our own sinfulness and how we can improve ourselves. This is all part of the way of repentance that brings us closer to God.

Reference: Abba Dorotheos: Practical teaching on the Christain Life, pp 143-150

Our Whole Life Becomes a Prayer

When we become aware that it is a loving God who makes all happen in the world and that we as individuals are powerless then our life becomes one of prayer.
Archimandrite Vasileios of the Iveron Monastery on Mount Athos says,

When he spiritually matures, when he recognizes his own powerlessness and the ineffable love of God, he becomes calm and everything proceeds on its own.  Everything becomes prayer. And so he is not praying only when he is in church, but his entire life becomes a prayer"

Our life as laymen or monks is the same.  It is one to realize that we are creatures of God and called to do his will.  Our challenge is to deal with the struggles of life in such a way as we gain humility and realize the love of God.  Once we see His love and power we will have a life filled with peace no matter what is happening around us.
Elder Vasileios says,

Because God is love, one realizes that the greatest blessings are the trials, not the easy things.... The way of Orthodoxy is filled with difficulties and crosses, but it yields you to the path wherein you glorify God for all things and are thankful for all things––the Resurrection.

....

When the soul is wedded to God the Word, then man understands the nature of things.  But before he weds God the Word, his soul is like a slave subjected to primitive devices.  When he sees that everything is united in Christ Jesus and the humble man is the great man––then he obtains another freedom.  He does not see things as separate and mechanical.  Everything proceeds without effort.

The Orthodox Way of Life is one of surrender.  A giving up of ones  ego-centeredness to the will of God with the guidance of the sacramental life of the Church. Without this surrender we will always feel inadequate in the face of the struggles of life in this world.
Elder Vasleios says,

If you feel weak... you must give everything and entrust everything to God.  If, therefore, I try to preserve my life in my own hands, by my own plans, I will in the end lose ti.  Whereas, if I say, "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46), then I have already begun to live the eternal life, because I realize I have given myself to a power that exists before me and will exist after me.

We can find peace in this world through humility and love of God.
Elder Vasileios says,

Great is the one who is humble. Let us remember what the Lord said, "I thank Thee, O Father... that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes" (Luke 10:21)––to the humble, to the meek. Let us, therefore, love this humility and meekness, that we may receive the grace of God, that we may rejoice both in life and death without flaunting our joy, and that it may become a blessing for all of us.

Let our whole life become a prayer! 




Reference: The Orthodox Word, No 279, 2011, pp 158-170 

The Work of Patience and Humility

Often, when we are overtaken with boredom regarding our spiritual practices, we will also find we are easily overtaken with despair when confronted with events that do not go as we desire. This is an indication of our spiritual immaturity. We need both patience and humility because they are important works in our spiritual life.

Saint Seraphim says,

A lofty and sound soul does not despair over misfortunes, of whatever sort they may be. Our life is as it were a house of temptations and trials; but we will not renounce the Lord for as long as He allows the tester to remain with us and for as long as we must wait to be revived through patience and secure passionlessness!

All the trials of this life are opportunities for our spiritual growth. Even the most difficult situation provides a chance to demonstrate our love and gratitude for all God's works. This is how we learn to practice patience.

Saint Seraphim tells us,

One should always endure any trial for the sake of God with gratitude. Our life is a single minute in comparison with eternity.

Saint Paul says,

The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom 8:18).

Saint James says,

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4 NKJV)

Humility goes with patience. It is about our willingness to accept whatever comes our way, instead of holding on to the notion that the life of this world should operate by our own ideas or standards. When we are demeaned by others challenging our personal honor we should make an effort to forgive them. We should consider that we are unworthy of this honor we think we possess. It is our work to learn to humble ourselves always.

Saint Seraphim says,

Let us love humility and we shall see the glory of God; for where humility issues forth, there the glory off God abounds.

Reference: Little Russian Philokalia, Vol 1, pp 34 - 37

Why Does Humility Lead Us to Righteousness?

This last Sunday's Gospel lesson, the story of the Pharisee and the Publican, emphasized humility as a key attitude for repentance. To repent we must not boast of our spiritual feats, but humble ourselves like the Publican who longs for a change of mind. We are called to learn this secret of the inward poverty of the Publican rather than the self-righteousness of the Pharisee who is convinced of his perfectness and not open to change because of his pride. 


Saint Gregory Palamas answers the question, Why does Humility lead us to righteousness?

Why does humility lead up to the heights of righteousness, whereas self-conceit leads down to the depths of sin? Because anybody who thinks he is something great, even before God, is rightly abandoned by God, as one who thinks that he does not need His help. Anybody who despises himself, on the other hand, relies on mercy from above, wins God's sympathy, help and grace. As it says, “The Lord resists the proud: but he gives grace to the lowly” (Proverbs 3:34 Lxx).

When we compare ourselves to the calling of God, being made in His image, we can be no other than humble. Unless we think this way, why do we need God's help?  We will remain stuck in our own ego-centeredness, condemned to the heights of our own making. Our end when it comes will also be of our own making.  We will die with only our own thoughts to comfort us.  Humility is the key to knowing and becoming united with God so we can live in His grace. All we need is a little bit of humility and God will widen our perspective little by little until we find His full glory. As we prepare for this Lenten period, let us all seek to find one new limitation we have that keeps us from a full union with our God.


Reference: Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies, pp 6-7

Key to Humility - Knowing our Weaknesses

One who is humble is one who can admit his mistakes.  Elder Paisios takes this one step further and says its even better to be aware of our weaknesses.

He says,

The one who realizes his mistakes, has already progressed half way.  However, it is also very important for him to sense his weaknesses.  It is much better to be aware of our own weaknesses, than to struggle very hard, while neglecting it.

Why is this so important?  Because when we know our weaknesses, then, we have a chance of avoiding our mistakes.  For example, if we have a problem with drinking too much, we can stay away from activities that encourage drinking.  If we are prone to become argumentative then we can avoid the friends or TV commentators that encourage this.  Once we know our weaknesses, we can arrange our life to avoid those situations where our weakness leads us to mistakes.


Reference: Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, p 130

Why We Can't Get Rid of A Passion even When We Struggle Against It.

It is a common complaint that even when one struggles to rid themselves of a passion it just wont go away.  The more we struggle our passion seems to get more intense.  Why is this so?  Why does it not just disappear based on our efforts?

Elder Paisios has this to say,

We should know that when we strive to free ourselves from a passion and it doesn't go away, it is either because we have egoism and pride, or because we criticize and condemn our fellow workers.

Is it not true that the things we don't like in ourselves we condemn in others?  Do you see what this is doing to us?  As we judge others the standard for our own behavior increases and we sub-consciously justify our own condition with the failings of others.  We are put ourselves above others in our criticism of them.  As a result we develop even greater pride.  Then, when we think we are making progress, we may feel superior to others and criticize them even more.  Have you noticed how those who attend Church every Sunday tend to be the ones who criticism those who only come periodically?  Isn't it the recent convert that tends to have the most vocal criticism of those who are not Orthodox or even of his fellow Orthodox parishioners? Isn't the smoker who has just quit the most vocal about how nasty a habit it is and is the one who campaigns to stop others from smoking?  It is this judgmental orientation that makes our struggle so difficult.  We make a personal effort filled with pride.  As we exert our self-will the passion only gets stronger and more difficult to eliminate because of our pride.  


When we humble ourselves and seek forgiveness and help from God, we receive His grace which helps us overcome the passion we are attacking.


A final thought from the Elder,

You should struggle while you are young, because when you get older you can do nothing; older people get annoyed even at the draft coming through a keyhole.

Reference: Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, p 127

Why Humility is So Important

In our modern world culture, humbleness is not something that is given a high value.  More common is the encouragement to become self assertive, forceful, to act independently.  Yet Scripture and the Church Fathers continually emphasize the need for humbleness for our spiritual growth.

We know God loves us and wants to protect us.  He knows our problems. He is omnipotent so there is no problem that he cannot help us with, except for one.  That is overcoming our lack of humbleness.

Elder Paisios says,

The difficulty God faces, and I repeat, it is the only one, is the He “cannot” help us when our soul is not humble.  God “feels sad” because, while he sees His creature suffer, He “cannot” offer any help.  What ever help He offers, it will harm the person because he lacks a humble mind.

This is when we are overtaken by our passions and God allows this to happen.  He cannot help us because our soul is filled with pride and self-centered thoughts.  In a sense, in these moments we have rejected God and instead put all our trust in our own being.  We are intent on gaining whatever it is we desire.

The Elder says,

God will not give us what we are asking for, no matter how hard we try, unless we humble ourselves.  If our aim is humility, then God will give us everything for free.

God desires only one thing from us: our humbleness.  He does not need anything else; just humble ourselves, so He can actually make us partakers of his divine grace, which was granted to us through the mystery of Holy Baptism.... He is only asking from us to humble ourselves and respond out of gratefulness and appreciation of His love.  Thus, divine grace, will make us love God and get to know Him; it will do everything for us, if we only humble ourselves and allow for it to act.

Saint Peter advises us,

Cloth yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:5-7)

Source: Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, pp 88-89

Battling Pride

We continually hear that pride is at the root of our sinfulness.  In God's eyes it is the the penitent sinner that is preferred to the proud person.  The remedy to pride is humility, but how does one develop humility?


Here is what Elder Macarius has to say,

Well, acquire this art through reading the Fathers; pitiless self-examination and self-accusation help too; also, making clear to ourselves how much worse we are than others; and refraining from all condemnation of them while we accept all their condemnation of us, as sent by God to cure our hideous spiritual sores.

This battle for humility is not an easy one or one that is quickly won.  It is not easy to refrain from condemning others while accepting the condemnation that is given to us.  We are constantly being tripped up by our passions.  A high degree of discipline in life is required.  We must always be on the alert. As we progress along this narrow and difficult path we will be tempted to have pride in our progress.  When this occurs our progress ends.  Our success in life, our well-being at work or in the home, can also hinder us by stroking our pride. Our successes make us feel as if we are in control.  The more successful we are in a worldly life it is all the harder to develop humility.


The Elder says,

Humility is the only weapon that wards off all attacks, but it is difficult to fashion, and the art of using it iis often misunderstood, particularly by those who live an active life.... Remember always that the whole of human misery is the consequence of pride.  Humility alone is the path to joy, the gate to the blessed nearness––the intimacy of God.

Humility Revisited - A Confession

I don't really feel qualified to write on the subject of humility because pride is my main weakness.  But, due to my lack of humility, I will anyway. 

Pride is a lack of humility. So, in a sense, maybe I do know something about humility in a back-handed way.  Pride seems to me to be the result of my dependence on my own will, seeing myself as the center of everything, the place where I control my life.  When faced with a choice where do I go to make a decision?  Do I seek input from others?  Do I seek guidance from God?  I must say, all too often, my choice is based on my own inner thoughts and the result is one that favors my own self-gratification.  I often feel trapped by the desires of my own being and the comforts offered by this world. I truly tend to seek pleasure and avoid pain. To give up my own pleasures and endure discomfort or pain for the benefit of others or my God is not an easy choice. To accept that I am not the king of my own world, that I do not control it, is difficult.  But this is what humility calls me to accept.


Elder Marcaius helps us gain a proper perspective on this topic of humility. He says,

You should know by now that great storms of passion are allowed to assail us whenever we have been indulging pride, self-adulation, high opinions of our own intellectual powers; or when we have pandered to the vicious pleasure of humbling others, intentionally.  The medicine is simple: humility, a sincere humbling of self.  This alone can bring relief: through meekness––harbinger of peace.

Humility is not difficult to understand.  It is no more than accepting that I am in fact limited in my own ability to make rational choices on my own that are consistent with the God's commandments.  I have no special possession of truth or what is best for me or others.  When I can accept that I am a limited creature, that I owe my existence to an all powerful God, that I am created in His image, and I and everyone else are struggling with the same temptations and possessing to differing degrees pride, then maybe I will begin to walk a path toward humility.


In the end I know I will be forcefully humbled by death.  Hopefully before this event I will come to terms with this virtue.  Humility is the same as love for it is only with humility that I can truly love another.


Saint John Climacus says,

Love and humility form a holy pair; what the first builds, the second binds, thus preventing the building from falling asunder.

Jesus gave us two commandments––to love God with our whole heart and to love others as ourselves.  To follow as his disciple I have no choice but to learn about humility.  Only with humility will I gain His grace which will empower me to overcome all earthly temptations as well as the sorrows of this worldly life.  Knowing that I am not in control, in a strange way, leads me to humility, peace and love.


Lord Have Mercy.


Reference: Russian Letters of Spiritual Direction, pp 47-48

"Aim at Simplicity"

Saint Basil the Great give us great wisdom. 

How are we to come to this humility and leave behind us the deadly swelling of arrogance? By exercising ourselves in it in all things, and by keeping in mind that there is nothing which cannot be a danger to us. For the soul becomes like the things to which it gives itself, and takes the character and appearance of what it does.

Let your demeanor, your dress, your walking, your sitting down, the nature of your food, the quality of your being, your house and what it contains, aim at simplicity. 

And let your speech, your singing, your manner with your neighbor, let these things also be in accord with humility rather than with vanity. 

In your words let there be no empty pretence, in your singing no excess sweetness, in conversation be not ponderous or overbearing. In everything refrain from seeking to appear important. 

Be a help to your friends, kind to the ones with whom you live, gentle to your servant, patient with those who are troublesome, loving towards the lowly, comforting those in trouble, visiting those in affliction, never despising anyone, gracious in friendship, cheerful in answering others, courteous, approachable to everyone, never speaking your own praises, nor getting others to speak of them, never taking part in unbecoming conversations, and concealing where you may whatever gifts you posses."

St. Basil the Great, Homily on Humility, 20

Patience with Hope Leads to Meekness and Humility

As we practice patience and are able to endure our troubles with Hope, we will find that we begin to develop humility and meekness*.


Fr. Dimitru Staniloae says,

Meekness is a firm disposition of the mind  and is unaffected either by honors or insults.  It means to be unaffected by the disappointments which your neighbor has caused you and to pray sincerely for him.  It is the rock that arises above the sea of anger.

Meekness is not a weakness as many tend to think. It is a positive force aimed at the healing of hate. It is the meek person who is able to put himself into the shoes of others and to clearly see their point of view and understand their situation.  With meekness one is able to take into consideration many dimensions of a situation.  One who is meek has actions that are congruous with his thoughts.  Fr. Dimitru says, "By meekness the soul approaches simplicity."


Humility is the opposite of pride.
Fr. Dimitru Staniloae defines humility as follows:

Humility is the supreme consciousness and living both of the divine infinity and our own littleness. It is at the same time the consciousness that the divine infinity pierces everything and everybody around us... As long as there is a trace of pride in us, we lack the thrill of contact with God; we lack the profound consciousness of a deeper relationship with God, and neither do we make others feel it.... Only the humble lives in the immeasurable depths, full of mystery, in God.... The humble person, far from becoming poor, embraces the infinite more than anybody else and offers it to others.

To know God we must become humble and meek. This is an essential lesson.   As Fr. Dimitru says, "only the humble lives... in God."  Becoming humble is a total surrender of the ego-self.  It is as if one becomes nothing. One becomes pure and a reflector of divine light. This is for sure an advanced state of spiritual development.


Fr. Dimitru writes,

If he only accepts this role of being nothing but a reflector and a receiver of divine light, he has a tremendous destiny: that of living with the infinite. If he is ashamed of this role and is filled with his own smoke, he can no longer see anything even in himself.

So reflect on this image of being "filled with your own smoke."  This "smoke" is what needs to be cleared away for us to be able to see God and to join with Him in what we call theosis.  To see the divine light first the room must be cleared of all the "smoke."

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

* The Greek word for meekness--prautes--has nothing in it of this negative and weak implication. It is in fact quite a strong word meaning "openness to God and man." As such, it implies a determined effort toward a conciliatory attitude. Applied to human relationships it involves tolerance and flexibility. In the relationship to God it implies a readiness to accept His Word and His will.

Reference: Orthodox Spirituality, pp 180 - 184

More on Humility

Another lesson on Humility from Elder Ieronymos.

It was the feast of saint Nicholas and after the Divine Liturgy he was going into town for his accustomed ministry... Passing by outside of a store he saw the proprietor.. He stopped for a moment and greeted him, "Good morning!  Many Years!

The shopkeeper, for some reason, instead of rejoicing at  his blessings, answered with rudeness and in a exceedingly insulting way, "Get out of here, Priest, as fast as you can.  Thats right! Get going–bravo!–before I make some nasty remark to you."

Father Ieronymos went away in sorrow, not so much for the insult, but because he did not wish to grieve any man. Even if he was not at fault... He prayed all day and night on the morrow he took the same path again.  As soon as he came near the shop of the reviler, he saw him sweeping his courtyard.  He approached him and with a great deal of sweetness and humility said to him, "forgive me, my brother, if in any way I have grieved you.  But won't you allow me even to bid you Good Morning?

The shopkeeper was dumbstruck; he would never have expected such kindness and humility.  He ran and fell on his bosom saying, "Forgive me, Elder.  I don't know what satan put me up to speaking to you like that.  I have repented over it bitterly and ask your forgiveness."

from The Elder Ieronymos of Aegina by Peter Botsis, pp.155-156

Lesson in Humility

One of the most important virtues is humility.  It is one I struggle to make part of my life.  But how does one develop humility?  I found a couple of stories about  the Elder Ieronymos of Aegina that gave me some clues.  Here is the first one.

Once he was traveling to Piraeus on a ship named The Enchantress.  As usual he sat somewhere off to the side and prayed.  Suddenly he was approached by the captain who said to him, "Priest, get up from here and sit further on."
Father Ieronymos humbly and obediently conformed to this command.  But shortly afterward the captain ordered him to change his place again.  The same thing was repeated a third time.  The captain's attitude was very provocative.  The other passengers were indignant and made a remark to him about why he had behaved is such a manner to a venerable elder, who after all had paid his ticket.  And the captain answered, "My mother told me that whenever I see refugees I should throw them into the sea."

Father Ieronymos was grieved when he heard this, but said nothing.  He only decided never to travel on this ship again, in order  to avoid temptation.  But he prayed fervently for the captain and implored God to enlighten him.  On another occasion, however, he had to travel to Piraeus and there was no other ship except The Enchantress.  He said prayers, boarded the ship, and sat in some corner.  He hoped that the captain would not see him, so that he could avoid the pointless temptation.  But eventually the captain passed by and saw him and approached him.
"Do you have a ticket?" he asked.
"Yes, I do."
"Give it to me and I'll return it."
He took the ticket and returned to him the amount that he had paid, saying, "My mother scolded me and told me never to take money from you again.  From now on, come aboard whenever you want and travel for free."  the humility and prayer of Father Ieronymos––and possibly some vision that his mother had seen–– subdued the proud captain.

from The Elder Ieronymos of Aegina by Peter Botsis, pp.155-156