Day 9: Humility

St. John Bosco reminds us, “Humility is the source of all peace.”

A fundamental problem for our society, and especially as men, is that we think we have it all figured out. Despite our limited experience, there comes a point when we believe we have it all figured out.

Call it a defense mechanism, the work of the ego and/or pride, or perhaps just ignorance, yet it all leads us down to the same intersection of judgement and conflict.

When I started my ministry at the United Nations three years ago, I quickly realized that I did not have a clue to the realities outside of my little bubble. Despite my education and degrees, lived experiences and lessons learned, I soon recognized that I didn’t even know what I didn’t know.

Most politicians, on both sides of the aisle, spend their time talking and not listening. They often think of their pockets instead of their hearts and soul.

Many religious leaders, unfortunately, assumed to be a north star, have led us astray. Instead of following the inclusive teachings of Jesus of the Gospels, they lead with a dangerous self-righteousness that results in exclusion and division.

We, as fathers, with our partners, are teaching and molding a new generation. Are we showing (and teaching) humility and leaving space for questions instead of answers- if so, this is a great service for humanity and our shared earthly home (that we are ignoring and damaging each day).

Some suggestions to animate this quest for humility this Lent:

1.        Spend more time asking questions and listen actively (without judgement) to the answer?

2.        Seek greater education and insight on why people may believe different than you around topics that you have “figured out.” Try to see their point of view, even if you disagree.

3.        Be comfortable in the gray of life, the unknown, the messiness, and the confusion. If we like it or not, this is where we spend most of our days.