Walking in Mary’s Humility
Sacramentum is a series devised by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, exploring the sacraments of the Catholic Church and other aspects of parish life and Catholic devotion. In this reflection, pastoral intern Rudy Jerome Mallannao explores the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis’s faith formation theme: “Our Pilgrim’s Journey in Hope Through Catechesis”, by looking at the ways the Blessed Virgin Mary embodied the virtue of humility.
When we receive praise or find ourselves in the spotlight for a particular accomplishment, it’s natural to enjoy it and feel proud. In fact, most of us, when faced with moments of glory, might be tempted to bask in the compliments or recognition that comes our way. It feels good to be noticed, right?
But when we look at Mary, the Mother of Jesus, we see something entirely different. Instead of basking in any glory, Mary’s immediate response was humility. She was given a most monumental role, to be the Mother of God, yet she didn’t see herself as worthy of praise, but as a humble servant of God, ready to do His will.
This humility is what makes Mary so special, and it’s something we can all learn from, especially as we reflect on this year’s faith formation theme: “Our Pilgrim’s Journey in Hope Through Catechesis.”
Why Humility is so Important to Mary
Mary’s humility is what set her apart. When the angel Gabriel came to tell her that she would be the mother of Jesus, her first response wasn’t about herself. She didn’t think she was worthy or special; instead, she saw herself as a humble servant of God.
Her famous response, “I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), shows how she trusted God completely, even though she didn’t know exactly what the future held.
Mary’s humility wasn’t just a one-time thing. It was part of everything she did. Whether it was serving others, standing by Jesus in His hardest moments, or staying out of the spotlight during the Lord’s earthly ministry, Mary’s humility always pointed back to God’s greatness.
She didn’t seek glory for herself but wanted to do whatever would honor Him. That’s why humility is the foundation of all her other virtues—her faith, her obedience, and her love for others.
As St. Teresa of Calcutta beautifully put it: “If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.” Mary lived this truth every day, focused on God’s plan and not her own.
How We Can Imitate Mary’s Humility in Everyday Life
Mary’s humility isn’t just something to admire—it’s something we can all try to live out. But how? Here are three simple ways we can bring Mary’s humility into our daily lives:
1. Be Grateful and Acknowledge God’s Gifts
Just like Mary, who praised God saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46), we can make it a habit to thank God for the blessings in our lives. Whether big or small, recognizing that everything good comes from God helps keep us humble. Each day, take a moment to be grateful, and remind yourself that without God, none of it would be possible.
2. Put Others First
Mary showed her humility not just by accepting God’s plan, but by serving others. After learning she was going to be the mother of Jesus, she immediately went to help her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39). We can follow her example by looking for ways to serve others, even in small ways—helping out a friend, being there for someone in need, or volunteering in our community. Putting others before ourselves is a true act of humility.
3. Trust God, Even When It’s Hard
Mary’s ultimate act of humility was trusting God’s plan, even when it wasn’t easy or clear. We can try to do the same in our lives by bringing our concerns, worries, and plans to God in prayer. It’s not always easy to let go of control, but by saying, “Lord, Your will be done,” we can open ourselves to the great things God has planned for us—just like Mary did.
A Humble Journey of Faith
As we walk Our Pilgrim’s Journey in Hope Through Catechesis, Mary’s example of humility is a powerful guide.
Her quiet strength and trust in God remind us that it’s not about being in control or getting recognition, but about being open to what God has in store for us. By being grateful, serving others, and trusting in God’s plan, we can follow in Mary’s footsteps and live out her humility in our own lives.
Let’s allow her humility to inspire us as we journey together in faith. The more we practice it, the more we open ourselves to God’s grace and grow closer to Him.
May we pray as Mary did in the Magnificat, that our souls will magnify the Lord and our spirits rejoice in our Saviour, for He has looked with favour on us, His lowly servants (Luke 1:46-48).