The "poor in spirit," to which Jesus refers in the Sermon on the Mount, are the humble people who live with an awareness of ...

Each year, on Feb. 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, is observed, marking 40 days after Christmas. This day commemorates Jesus’ presentation to God in the Temple, in accordance with Jewish ...

The classical devotional text of the 14th century by Thomas a Kempis advises readers to be clear that there is much they don’t know and to admit their ignorance. He writes that “our opinions, our ...

Many years ago we had staying with us a clergyman to whom I listened with close attention. One day he spoke of someone as “having the rare grace of humility.” I think he must have meant that this ...

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadets raise the first wall on a Habitat for Humanity home Sept. 8, 2012. The on-going project is sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association class of ...

“We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.” — Rav Shmuel in the Talmud Is it possible to perceive things “as they are,” or are all our perceptions distorted by the limitations of our ...

DAVENPORT -- Charisma and spirit made Lynn Mousel willing to join the Congregation of the Humility of Mary. Ms. Mousel, of Des Moines, recently began the process to become a vowed member of the ...

At first glance, the injunction to be humble does not sound very attractive. It seems to be in conflict with our current valorization of self-esteem and self-worth, and to contradict the ubiquitous ...

The prayer of supplication includes petition. As the Holy Spirit moves within us, the first impulse toward petition is repentance. As we draw closer to God, we realize who we are before him, how we ...

I love these first weeks of the year when many of the emails I receive begin with a “Happy New Year” greeting. I enjoy reading and returning these wishes, and this year, because of an essay I’ve been ...