Humility: the Bedrock of Prayer and Spiritual Growth, Part Three

The conversation on humility continues in this 3rd program of 3. Why is “humility” such an important virtue among all the other virtues? What does a humble soul really look like? What characteristics does a truly humble soul have? What can help motivate us to want to grow in humility? How can we conquer our natural and sinful inclinations so as to grow in humility? What are some images that serve as models of humility to motivate us? What are the rewards of humility? Finally, what are the famous 12 Steps (or Degrees) of Humility?

Scripture: Mt. 11:29

Articles Online: “Treatise on Humility” by Pope Leo XIII “Humility: 30 Short Meditations” by Fr. Richard F. Clarke, SJ.

Books: “Divine Intimacy” by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD; Tan Books. “The Way of Transformation” by Fr. Mark O’Keefe, O.S.B.; ICS Publications. “Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila” translated by Kieran Kavanaugh, OCD and Otilio Rodriguez, OCD; ICS Publications. “The Teresian Gospel” by Otilio Rodriguez, OCD; Darlington Carmel. “Thoughts: Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified” by Rev. D. Buzy, S.C.J.; Carmel of Bethlehem. “The Steps of Humility & Pride” by Bernard of Clairvaux; Cistercian Publications. “Humble Pie: St. Benedict’s Ladder of Humility” by Carol Bonomo; Morehouse Publishing. “Humility: Wellspring of Virtue” by Dietrich von Hildebrand; Sophia Institute Press.

The Carmelite Conversations Podcast is an apostolate of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites community of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Dayton, Ohio. Discalced Carmelite Seculars are practicing members of the Catholic Church who, under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and inspired by St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, make the commitment to the Discalced Carmelite Order to seek the face of God for the sake of the church and the world. For more information about Secular Carmelites, visit our website.