ST GASPER AS A MODEL HUMILITY - Jobin Joseph Thayyil

“Humility is that virtue which is found between its two opposite vices: pride and disordered subserviceness. Thanks to true knowledge of oneself, it moderate man’s mind to avoid raising itself above it true worth whereby it would fall into pride rather it tends to dispose it to lower itself but always in the contest of right reason in order not fall into the opposite extreme that of objection “ (Spiritual Writings of St. Gaspar, pg. 252) St. Gaspar is known as a man of humility. He gave an important place for humility his life. According to him Christ has given a good example of humility by obeying His Father even unto death. So, we Christians who are following Christ should not be pride.(ibid., 252). This was a sermon preached by St. Gaspar when he was a deacon. Humility was second nature to him. It was before all a humility of intellect because he held himself to be a great sinner and ignorant. Therefore he used to say that he was not the type to found religious institute. If someone consults him he asked them why do you come to me? He gave credit only to others. Because of this he was ever prompt to thank his confreres for any and all services. He was not ready to give blessing to other priest except those who are in the community. It was his usual habit to keep the background after taking part in various undertaking and in the establishment of institute both for men and women. He gave credit to others. “Whoever wishes to find God and live in union with Him must empty himself and deepen the knowledge of his own nothingness. This is what Gaspar practiced. Even amid the very special graces he received from God he humbled himself profoundly. “ (Stigmatine Spirituality and Prayer) So, St. Gaspar is a model for me as a humble man. He says that without deep humility we cannot arrive at perfection and union with God. Those who acquire deep humility will acquire a high state of perfection. I am here to union with God. Without humility I cannot do that. Without humility I cannot attain perfection. According to a clergy if I want to be someone I will first become nobody from the very moment I agree to be nobody in the sight of God I became capable of everything. St. Gaspar also says that do not desire for human praises or do no desire for human credit or do not do anything for pleasing human or people. But do everything humbly and submit yourself fully to the will of God.