As we enter this Third Sunday in Lent in our book study of Max Vincent’s “Because of This I Rejoice,” we build on our previous reflections of prayer and Christian witness with a virtue often difficult to define: humility. I struggled with even the first task of discovering an image to place with this journal post of humility. How does one describe a human virtue that seems better defined as the “absence of self-centered characteristics” rather than a particular set of behaviors that help us say, “yup, there it is…that’s humility.” The photo I finally selected was a simple hand, making ripples in calm waters…hoping to expresses the “humble” satisfaction of making a small difference (the metaphor of the circular wave) that continues to grow in size and scope, with the outer rings of change never knowing where the wave began or who was its creator. I believe satisfaction with small tasks that build up the community of God, done with honest and authentic joyfulness in Christ, is probably the closest definition to humility one can find. Vincent describes this in his introduction when he writes, “humility comes through doing even the simplest task to honor God. Doing anything to honor God gives the task dignity and purpose.” Vincent writes of the example of Brother Lawrence, thought by many to be a model of humility, and describes Lawrence’s understanding of life in Christ: “his refrain became that he tried to carry out each task, no matter how great or small, as if done in the presence of God. This awareness of God’s presence marked his life with humility.” Brother Lawrence’s life is certainly a great example for us, but how can we enter into a similar “prayerful space” in the midst of our busy lives, in the middle of traffic, or cleaning up dinner dishes after a long day at work? I believe Vincent provides some thoughtful ideas of how we might find this “prayer space,” and it begins with living our lives as people connected to God and each other, in Christ.

As I reflected on Vincent’s chapter of humility, I was reminded of other writings from authors and theologians of past years. I believe one of the central elements of developing an appreciation for, and a lifestyle that cultivates habits that tend to grow the Christian virtue of humility is how one authentically leads their life, especially when that life encounters difficulties or sorrows. It may be even more profound if that difficulty or sorrow is not one’s own and the possibility of turning away is present, yet the Christian does not turn away – they hold fast and embrace life as they encounter life. When asked if a new manager was performing well (when I lived my life in the business world), I would often say, “I don’t know, but when something bad happens in their department, I will get back to you…” The challenges of life seem to bring out the character of people in greater relief…one seems to either sink or swim or fly with the eagles! The Christian who is living a Christ-centered life and connected to others stands a better chance of seeing past the immediate difficulties, realizing the truth that God is always present, and humbly staying the course. Vincent writes, “The Christian life is not an escape from this world; the Christian life brings the joy of the gospel into the pain and suffering of the world.” He goes on to describe the odd fact of joyful Christian living: paradoxically, Christians who enter most deeply into the pain and suffering of the world often express Christian living most joyfully; and Vincent uses St. Francis as an example.

One need not look for suffering and sorrow to develop their Christian joy…the world is filled with enough suffering and sorrow to find you. For the Apostle Paul, he would say these moments are the worldly reality of the cross in our lives. Paul’s theology placed the cross at the center of our common lives together, yet the cross was not only a symbol of suffering and sorrow, but a symbol of God’s miraculous choice to redeem and restore all things to wholeness. Vincent describes Paul’s thinking: “Live out of the unity that comes from a shared pursuit of a gospel-worthy life. To live worthy of the gospel is to live out of the common bond we have in Christ.” The Apostle Paul recognized that in the sorrow of the cross, the Christian would find the intimate and loving bond of a God that does not look away, a God that reaches into the depths of the sorrow and brokenness to create a new thing…this is what Love does. And in the midst of the reality of the restoration of the brokenness, we realize nothing is too small or insignificant to receive the attention of the One who created all things.

In his section titled, “Complete My Joy,” Vincent writes, “Life based on the gospel connects Christians to one another. Such unity is part of the witness of the church.” I believe this connection and this unified witness to Christ’s work in the world is what forms our Christian lives and helps us recognize the power of every small act of charity. Those acts of charity help us to grow in compassion toward others, which creates the fruit called humility. How can you become more aware of the small acts of compassion in your life, and how might you discover the joy of the gospel while experiencing the sorrowful moments of life? I believe Brother Lawrence helps us with these challenges when he reminds us that imagining everything we do is done in the presence of God is always a good start.