Catechism Quote

Catechism of the Catholic Church

#2628

Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the "King of Glory," respectful silence in the presence of the "ever greater" God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications.

St. Teresa of Jesus instructs her nuns (and we lay Carmelites) in the Way of Perfection to acquire true humility by dying to ourselves, because she says we love ourselves so dearly!
She says that humility and detachment from self go together.


We can see in the life of our holy mother St. Teresa her great humility. She always referred to God as "His Majesty" and was intent on pleasing him.


She also makes the point and we have probably observed this for ourselves in other individuals; the person who is truly humble does not know it! If you tell the person that you admire their humility or see humility in them, they will not believe it. And according to St. Teresa, they will strive to obtain this great virtue even though they possess it. This shows how this is truly a gift of God and that he keeps us humble by hiding these virtues from the one who possesses them.


True humility is a total gift of God. Let us pray for each other that we seek the things of heaven-virtues like humility which foster true adoration.


Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, ocds