"Clothe yourselves with humility" (1 Peter 5:5).
We usually prefer to be served rather than serve others. For we think that it's the higher status if we are served. The disciples of Jesus also thought in this way before the experience of the cross. After their Master showed them the way how to become a servant, Apostle Peter wanted to follow him. It's very clear in the First Letter of Peter when he writes: "Clothe yourselves with humility" (1 Pet 5:5).
Such an attitude needs humility. But it's not easy to become humble. In the congregations like Society of Divine Word, we take a vow of obedience. From my own experience, this vow is the most difficult one. Because we resign to decide by our own and let our superiors to make decisions for us. Obviously, all of us know that "God gives grace to the humble" but become obedient it is a big challenge.
As God's servants, we need to "humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God". We do serve God in order to be exalted. Furthermore, if we are humble, God supports us and hears our petitions. If we are humble, we are able to receive any answer from God the Father. Since we are aware that our Father knows better. He invites us to cast all our care upon him and trust that he cares for us. If we are humble in the presence of God we usually respect and serve others too.
We do not want to be proud like our adversary who is the devil. On the contrary, by the grace of God, we follow the example of Jesus Christ. If we allow Christ to live in our hearts, his humble attitude towards people will be also our attitude towards our brothers and sisters. Thanks to this change of thinking, God's peace will abide among us.
Reflection on 1 Peter 5:5-14 by Fr. Józef Trzebuniak, SVD.
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