Get Down on My Knees?

Today's reading from the "Rule of Benedict""
The third degree of humility is that a person
for love of God
submit himself to his Superior in all obedience,
imitating the Lord, of whom the Apostle says,
"He became obedient even unto death."

Submit to a superior? Or to anyone else? Get down on my knees? Humility only extends so far in our time. And certainly not as far as consenting to changing our ways, our approach, or our attitude, just because someone asks us to do so. The theme song of the American soul is probably more like the country-western "You Can Take This Job and Shove It", than the church hymn, "Trust and Obey". We are convinced that the way to happiness and fulfillment lies continually in the direction of self-assertion.

It might be worthwhile--and instructive--for each of us to try some experiments in humility and obedience. Keep still when someone criticizes you, and learn what there is to be learned from the criticism. Consent to others' concerns or complaints with an open mind and heart, so far as we can. Try to find ways to adapt to others' notions of what is right in some situation. Bite our tongues before we speak sharply about others' behavior or character. Listen carefully to the supervisor; she might have something valuable to say. Allow children and vulnerable people to be our "bosses"; let their needs tell us what to do with our day and with our society. Comply with what the earth itself commands when it comes to sustainable living and health for the creatures inhabiting the globe. And attend to the "still small voice" within, which always speaks wisely--with truth, peaceability, and generous love for all.

Sister Joan Chittister has written that she thinks humility is the most needed, and dangerously missing virtue, of our time. I wish I thought she was wrong.