Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops, Doctors 

1 John 2:22-28
Psalm 97(98):1-4
John 1:19-28

THE ESSENCE OF HUMILITY IN SERVICE TO GOD

What constitutes true service to God? At its core, it is grounded in profound humility. Humility is the foundational characteristic that elevates individuals to the status of saints. Take St. John for example; his prophetic role was marked by an acute awareness of his position in the divine hierarchy.

He identified himself as a ‘voice,’ while Jesus is proclaimed as ‘the Word.’ In this analogy, John is the lamp that illuminates, yet Jesus embodies the ultimate source of light. As a messenger, John’s purpose pointed directly to the message that is Christ.

Though John’s birth preceded Christ by six months, he acknowledged Christ’s preexistence—a testament to his understanding of humility. This profound awareness serves as a powerful lesson on the practice of humility. Every manifestation of humility necessitates the relinquishment of pride. Likewise, each act of courage requires overcoming cowardice; kindness entails the rejection of cruelty; and love demands the transcendence of selfishness.

This process of “dying to the false self” is essential in uncovering the true self, which reflects God’s image. Humility is not merely an attitude; it is an active commitment to serving God and others. It stands as the queen of virtues and the defining trait of authentic greatness. In the realm of humility, distinctions among individuals become irrelevant.

PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE

O Lord, as I embark on this new year, I earnestly seek Your guidance. I submit myself to follow the path You have delineated for me. Grant me the humility and courage to traverse that path, fully aware that it is a conduit to greater opportunities and ultimately leads me to You, my steadfast Rock of salvation. Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho