I. Scripture Reading — Philippians 2:3–8 (RSV-CE)
Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Have this mind among yourselves, which was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant,
being born in the likeness of men.
And being found in human form he humbled himself
and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.II. Meditation — The Lowest Seat
At a parish banquet, a man once arrived early and chose the best seat near the front. He wanted to be noticed. He wanted people to see that he mattered.
Later, the host approached him quietly and said, “I’m sorry, but this seat is reserved.” Embarrassed, the man had to walk past everyone to find a place near the back.
Another guest had done the opposite. She entered quietly and chose a simple seat. When the host saw her, he smiled and said, “My friend, come forward.” He led her to a place of honor.
Jesus often spoke about this in His teaching. He knew how deeply the human heart longs for recognition. We want to be praised. We want to be admired. We want to be right.
But in today’s Scripture, Saint Paul shows us the ultimate example of humility: Jesus Himself.
Though He was God,
He chose to become a servant.
Though He was eternal,
He chose to suffer.
Though He was Lord,
He chose the Cross.Christ did not cling to His glory.
He emptied Himself out of love.Humility is not thinking poorly of yourself.
It is thinking of yourself less
and thinking of God and others more.During Lent, Jesus invites us to take the lowest place — not to be humiliated, but to be transformed.
III. Reflection — Learning the Way of Christ
True humility flows from truth.
It means:
Knowing that everything we have is a gift.
Accepting our weaknesses without despair.
Using our talents without pride.
Serving without seeking praise.
Pride says: “Look at me.”
Humility says: “Look at Christ.”Pride compares.
Humility trusts.Pride resists correction.
Humility welcomes growth.Jesus had every reason to exalt Himself — yet He chose obedience and service. If the Son of God could kneel, wash feet, and die on a cross, how can we refuse to humble ourselves?
Often, pride hides in small places:
Wanting to win every argument.
Being offended easily.
Refusing to apologize.
Thinking we are always right.
Resenting being overlooked.
Lent exposes these hidden attitudes so that grace can heal them.
Humility opens the heart to God.
Pride closes it.When we humble ourselves, we make room for divine life.
As Scripture says:
“He humbled himself… even unto death.”And because He humbled Himself,
God exalted Him.The path to glory always passes through humility.
IV. Prayer — A Prayer for a Humble Heart
Lord Jesus,
You are the King of Heaven,
yet You chose the path of a servant.
You are the Lord of Glory,
yet You embraced poverty, rejection, and the Cross.Teach me Your way.
I confess that I often seek recognition.
I want to be praised.
I want to be noticed.
I want to be right.Too often, I measure myself against others.
Too often, I defend my pride.
Too often, I resist correction.Forgive me, Lord.
Empty me of selfish ambition.
Empty me of vanity.
Empty me of hidden pride.Fill me instead with Your Spirit.
Give me a heart that loves to serve.
Give me joy in hidden sacrifices.
Give me peace in being unnoticed.
Give me courage to admit my faults.Help me to see every person as Your beloved child.
Help me to honor others above myself.
Help me to seek Your will, not my own comfort.Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
make my heart like Yours.May I walk the path of humility,
trusting that You will lift me up in Your time.Amen.
V. Action for Today
Perform one act of service today without telling anyone.
Accept correction or inconvenience without complaining.
Let someone else receive credit instead of you.
Before speaking today, ask: “Is this loving and humble?”
Reflect tonight:
Where did I choose humility today?
Where can I grow tomorrow?
