The Fifth Degree of Humility
The fifth degree of humility is revealed through the practice of hiding no evil thoughts from one's Abbot and confessing secret sins, as urged by Scripture.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of humility in confessing our sins and evil thoughts to God without hiding anything from Him or our spiritual leaders. He highlights the scriptural encouragement to reveal our ways to the Lord, confess our sins, and seek His mercy, as seen in Psalms 36:5, 105:1, and 31:5. By openly acknowledging our offenses and seeking forgiveness, we experience the transformative power of God's mercy and grace in our lives.
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The fifth degree of humility is that he hide from his Abbot none of the evil thoughts that enter his heart or the sins committed in secret, but that he humbly confess them. The Scripture urges us to this when it says, "Reveal your way to the Lord and hope in Him" (Ps. 36[37]:5) and again, "Confess to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever" (Ps. 105[106]:1). And the Prophet likewise says, "My offense I have made known to You, and my iniquities I have not covered up. I said: 'I will declare against myself my iniquities to the Lord;' and 'You forgave the wickedness of my heart'" (Ps. 31[32]:5).
Sermon Outline
- The Fifth Degree of Humility
- Scriptural basis for humility
- Hiding evil thoughts from the Abbot
- Confessing secret sins
- Revealing one's way to the Lord
- Confessing to the Lord
Key Quotes
“Reveal your way to the Lord and hope in Him” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Confess to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“My offense I have made known to You, and my iniquities I have not covered up” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Practice transparency and honesty about your inner struggles and temptations.
- Seek forgiveness and guidance from God and others when you struggle with sin.
- Cultivate a strong relationship with God and others through humility and confession.