“God does not look at the appearance, God looks at the heart (cf 1 Sam 16:7) and is enchanted by humility. Humility of heart enchants God.”
Pope Francis said this as he reflected on the great humility of the Virgin Mary, before praying the midday Angelus on the feast of her Assumption into Heaven.
The pope then suggested that “each one of us in our heart” ask ourselves, “How am I doing with humility?”
Here are the questions he gave for our examen:
- Do I want to be recognized by others, to affirm myself and to be praised, or do I think rather about serving?
- Do I know how to listen, like Mary, or do I want only to speak and receive attention?
- Do I know how to keep silence, like Mary, or am I always chattering?
- Do I know how to take a step back, defuse quarrels and arguments, or do I always want to excel?
“In her littleness, Mary wins Heaven first,” the Pope reflected.
Those who are filled with themselves have no space for God. And many times, we are full of ourselves, and the one who is filled with him or herself gives no space to God …