The Twelves Steps of Humility

Earlier this year, after reading through Thomas Merton, I decided to read The Rule of St. Benedict. Written sometime in the 6th century, the Rule is considered the starting point for all monastic rules and orders, a point of inspiration for anyone who desires a more systematic way of discipleship. As the Friends of St. Benedict write, “Although written for monastics, many of the issues addressed in the Rule can be applied to life in the world outside the monastic community. The qualities which make up a valued life – humility, patience, simplicity, solitude, caring for others, and living in community – concern everyone.”

I wanted to take a few posts to single out chapter 7 of the Rule in particular, titled simply “Humility.” St. Benedict details 12 steps required for ascension on the heavenly ladder. He contrasts humility with exaltation, which causes descent on the same ladder. Here is St. Benedict:

Brothers, divine Scripture calls to us saying: Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11; 18:14). In saying this, therefore, it shows us that every exaltation is a kind of pride, which the Prophet indicates he has shunned, saying: Lord, my heart is not exalted; my eyes are not lifted up and I have not walked in the ways of the great nor gone after marvels beyond me (Ps 130 [131]:1)

I was particularly struck by chapter 7, not least because of its programmatic nature. Humility is one of the Christian virtues I think about most often, because I have my own tendency to seek exaltation and pridefully reach for acclaim and recognition. So, over the course of the next few posts, I will go through the 12 steps St. Benedict lays out, in order to tease out some insight into each. I may have a lot to say about one, or not much, but I think surveying the steps of ascension of this ladder will certainly be an edifying task.