Ladder of Humility

This morning during my reading I dug a little deeper into the original "twelve steps" program St Benedict laid out for us.  It is not to break addiction from substances but from pride, which is ultimately even deadlier.  The original core list is here:

Twelve  Steps  of  Humility

Step 1. A first step is taken when one consciously obeys all of God’s commandments, never ignoring them but always holding within himself a fear of God in his heart.

Step 2. The second step is achieved when one thinks not about pleasing himself but instead follow the injunction of the Lord.

Step 3. The third step is reached when out of love of God, one obediently submits to a superior in imitation of the Lord.

Step 4. The fourth step is achieved when one, under obedience, patiently and quietly endures all thing that are inflicted on him.  It should make no difference whether the trials are painful, unjust or even completely beyond his understanding; he should neither tire nor give up.

Step 5. The fifth step is reached when one humbly discloses to his superior all the evil thoughts in his heart, as well as those faults and evil acts he has actually committed.

Step 6. To achieve the sixth step one must without qualms accept all that is crude and harsh; at all times he considers himself a poor and worthless workman.

Step 7. The seventh step is attained when one not only confesses that he is an inferior and common wretch, but believes it to his very core.  He must be willing to humble himself.

Step 8. One reaches the eighth step of humility when he does only that which is demanded by the common rule of his seniors.

Step 9. The ninth step can be achieved when one, practicing silence, only speaks when asked a question.

Step 10. The tenth step is climbed when one restrains himself from undue laughter and frivolity.

Step 11. To reach the eleventh step one must speak gently, without jests, but simply, seriously, tersely, rationally and softly.

Step 12. The final step is attained only when one can at all times show humility not only in his appearance and actions, but also in his heart.

I printed off this meditation of the 12 Steps with daily challenges to add to the Morning Basket. 

As well as this commentary.  

Yes, it is truly counter-cultural. It is also truly freeing. It not thinking less of yourself, but as the quote says, thinking of yourself less.  Breaking that stranglehold that Self has over us. 

The full text of St Benedict's Rule is here.  

Comments

[Laura]

Thank you for this! Perfect timing !

[Luana]

Wow, that is SOOO counter-coultural. And so beautiful.