There is a particularly dangerous spiritual lie because, unlike other temptations, it can present itself under the appearance of virtue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo not aspire to too much. Do not try to stand out. Do not dream of great things. Do not try to do more. Be content with what you are. That is humility.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But it is not always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, behind that apparent humility there is fear. Or laziness. Or comfort. Or fear of failure. Or even a certain lack of trust in God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And here we encounter one of the most interesting questions in the moral theology of Saint Thomas Aquinas: pusillanimity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Saint Thomas, man can sin not only when he attempts to be more than he ought to be, but also when he deliberately remains below what he could and ought to become<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially important in an age such as ours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We live in a culture that, on the one hand, can foster disordered individualism, an obsession with success, and a constant search for recognition; but, on the other hand, can also create paralyzed, insecure, comfortable people who are convinced that aspiring to something great is almost a form of pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And between these two extremes there is a profoundly Christian path:<\/p>\n\n\n\n humility united with magnanimity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Thomas teaches something surprising: these two virtues are not enemies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Humility does not mean thinking that we are worth nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Magnanimity does not mean thinking that we are extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both consist in living according to the truth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Humility recognizes that every good comes from God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Magnanimity accepts that God may desire to accomplish great things through us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And here begins a question every Christian should ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAm I being humble\u2026 or am I simply afraid to grow?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the greatest spiritual confusions consists in identifying humility with a low opinion of oneself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am no good at this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI do not have the ability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere are others much better than me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat is too great for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI only want to do my own thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI do not need to aspire to anything more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes these statements may be true. The problem arises when they become a permanent attitude and, above all, when they serve to justify refusing to use the gifts we have received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Christianity does not teach that we should despise the talents God has given us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quite the contrary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Paul says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us\u201d And he goes on to explain that these gifts must be placed at the service of others: whoever has a ministry should exercise it; whoever teaches should teach; whoever exhorts should exhort; whoever serves should serve. (biblegateway.com<\/a>)\ue201<\/p>\n\n\n\n The question, therefore, is not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo I have talents?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The question is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat am I doing with them?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Thomas Aquinas addresses the question of pusillanimity in the Summa Theologiae<\/em>, II-II, Question 133.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And his reasoning is extraordinarily relevant today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For him, pusillanimity consists in shrinking from what is proportionate to one\u2019s own abilities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not about attempting something impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not about wanting to be something for which God has not given us the capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not about recklessly embarking upon enterprises that exceed our strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That would be presumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pusillanimity is precisely the opposite movement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n not doing what we could reasonably do.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Thomas explains that, just as presumption leads a man to attempt more than is proportionate to his abilities, pusillanimity causes him to remain below them. (newadvent.org<\/a>)\ue201<\/p>\n\n\n\n And here we find a decisive idea:<\/p>\n\n\n\n He may also ask us to do the good that is within our power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This profoundly changes our vision of Christian life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To explain pusillanimity, Saint Thomas refers precisely to the parable of the talents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ tells of a master who entrusts different amounts to his servants before departing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One receives five talents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another receives two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another receives one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first two work with what they have received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The third, however, buries the talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He does not lose it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He does not steal it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He does not destroy it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He simply\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n buries it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And this is astonishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because we often think that sin consists only in misusing what we have received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Jesus presents another possibility as well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n not using it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The third servant does not say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am going to use my talent to do evil.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He essentially says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And he decides to do nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Thomas interprets precisely this behavior as a manifestation of pusillanimity: the servant, through fear, does not use what he had received. (newadvent.org<\/a>)\ue201<\/p>\n\n\n\n The parable contains a spiritual warning of enormous relevance today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps one of the great dangers facing the contemporary Christian is not only using his talents badly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps it is also burying them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps God has given you the ability to teach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you never teach because you are afraid of making mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps He has given you the ability to lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you never assume responsibility because you are afraid of being judged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps you have the ability to write.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you never write because you think others will do it better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps you can help many people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you always remain on the sidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps you have knowledge that could serve the Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you prefer to think:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am nobody.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps you could begin an apostolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you tell yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere are already too many people doing that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps you could form a holy family, educate children, teach the faith, serve in your parish, evangelize those around you, or develop your profession with genuine Christian excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not because it is impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But because it is uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because there is risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because there may be failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because perhaps someone will criticize you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because perhaps you will discover that you have to leave your comfort zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And then a dangerous word appears:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHumility.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI do not want to stand out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI do not want to seem important.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI do not want to aspire to too much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n But we must honestly ask ourselves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it humility, or is it fear?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here Saint Thomas offers an extraordinarily precise distinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Humility and magnanimity belong to the same general sphere: both concern great goods and the way in which man relates to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But they act differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Humility moderates<\/strong> the desire for greatness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Magnanimity impels one toward great works that are reasonable and proportionate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Thomas explains that we need both virtues because, when faced with a difficult good, we can make two opposite mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We can desire it in a disordered way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or we can retreat from it out of fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Humility prevents man from elevating himself beyond what is appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Magnanimity prevents him from collapsing below what he is capable of achieving. (newadvent.org<\/a>)\ue201<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, humility and magnanimity do not contradict one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They need one another.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is another very common confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we hear the word \u201cmagnanimity,\u201d we may immediately think of someone ambitious, proud, or hungry for power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Christian magnanimity is not that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The magnanimous person does not say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am great because I am superior to others.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere are great goods that are worth pursuing, and I am willing to give myself to them.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The difference is radical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pride places the \u201cI\u201d at the center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Magnanimity places the good<\/strong> at the center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The proud person wants to accomplish great things in order to be admired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The magnanimous person is willing to accomplish great things even if nobody admires him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The proud person seeks greatness for himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The magnanimous person seeks greatness for a worthy cause<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And for the Christian, the supreme cause is God and His glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Thomas studies magnanimity in II-II, Question 129.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He considers it a virtue concerned with great works and with the disposition of man to undertake what is truly great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But something is particularly important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n magnanimity does not eliminate humility.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On the contrary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Thomas explains that both can coexist because they concern different aspects. Humility considers one\u2019s deficiencies and moderates the disordered desire for greatness; magnanimity impels one toward great things when they are truly proportionate to reason. (newadvent.org<\/a>)\ue201<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, we can put it simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWithout God I can do nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith God\u2019s grace, I want to do all the good He allows me to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both statements are profoundly Christian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here we need great spiritual discernment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saying \u201cI cannot\u201d is not always wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are times when we must honestly recognize our limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not everyone has the same talents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not everyone can carry out the same works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not everyone has the same education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not everyone has the same health, time, resources, or responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Humility requires recognizing reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But there is a difference between saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis objectively exceeds my present possibilities\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n and saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI do not want to try because I might fail.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The first may be prudence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second may be pusillanimity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is why Saint Thomas relates pusillanimity to a defective awareness of one\u2019s own abilities and to fear of undertaking what is reasonably within one\u2019s possibilities. (newadvent.org<\/a>)\ue201<\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem is not knowing our limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem is turning our limitations into a permanent excuse not to grow<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From a pastoral perspective, an important question emerges here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we speak of temptation, we normally think of something obvious:<\/p>\n\n\n\n lust,<\/p>\n\n\n\n greed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n hatred,<\/p>\n\n\n\n envy,<\/p>\n\n\n\n anger,<\/p>\n\n\n\n pride,<\/p>\n\n\n\n manifest vices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But there is a much quieter temptation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n to convince us that it is not worth attempting something great for God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Christian does not have to renounce Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may be enough for him to become spiritually irrelevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He does not have to abandon the faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may be enough for him to stop using his gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He does not have to do evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may be enough for him to stop doing the good he could do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the great spiritual lessons we can draw from the parable of the talents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The buried talent did not cause a scandal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It did not immediately produce a tragedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It made no noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It simply remained underground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And precisely because of that, it is so dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An important clarification is necessary here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking against mediocrity does not mean claiming that we are all called to perform extraordinary works in the eyes of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christian greatness is not measured by fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A mother who raises her children in holiness may be carrying out a work of far greater spiritual magnitude than someone famous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A father who works honestly and supports his family may be living authentic Christian greatness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A priest who hears confessions for years without anyone knowing his name may carry out an immense apostolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A person who cares for a sick relative may be living genuine magnanimity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Christian who prays daily for others may be doing work whose value will never appear in the statistics of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n magnanimity does not mean spectacularity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It means greatness of soul directed toward the good<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes that greatness appears in visible works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Very often it remains completely hidden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We must also distinguish between two concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christian simplicity is beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spiritual mediocrity is not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A simple person may have a humble, discreet, apparently small life, yet live it with extraordinary supernatural intensity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mediocrity, on the other hand, appears when someone could love more, serve more, study more, pray more, work better, forgive more, grow more, or give more\u2026 but deliberately decides not to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The difference is not in the external size of the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is in the interior disposition<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Teresa of \u00c1vila did not need a comfortable life to be great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Francis of Assisi did not need wealth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Maximilian Kolbe did not need political power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Teresa of Calcutta did not need great financial resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The saints were not great because they had spectacular lives according to the criteria of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They were great because they gave themselves completely to God from within the concrete circumstances in which He placed them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is an enormous difference between wanting to be important and wanting to be fruitful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow can I be recognized?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The second asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow can I serve?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Magnanimity belongs to the second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And here the parable of the talents appears again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ does not ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow many followers did you have?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow many people admired you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow many titles did you obtain?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The question is what you did with what you received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christianity does not consist in constantly comparing ourselves with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It consists in responding faithfully to the grace we have received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, we should not ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAm I as good as that person?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAm I developing what God has entrusted to me?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Comparison can destroy both humility and magnanimity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If I compare myself with someone I consider inferior, I may fall into pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If I compare myself with someone I consider superior, I may fall into discouragement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both attitudes distance us from the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God has not asked you to be someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He has asked you to be faithful to the grace you have received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Paul expresses this beautifully when he speaks of the different gifts within the Body of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We do not all perform the same function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We do not all have the same gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We do not all receive the same mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But we are all called to use what we have received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore the question is not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy do I not have someone else\u2019s talent?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat talent do I have, and what am I doing with it?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a false humility that only lists defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am bad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI know nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have no talent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am useless.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut I am not worthy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if someone genuinely has a particular gift, stubbornly denying that he possesses it is not humility either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because humility does not consist in lying about ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Thomas insists that humility must agree with the truth. True humility recognizes one\u2019s deficiency, but it does not require a person to deny what he has genuinely received. (newadvent.org<\/a>)\ue201<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you know how to teach, acknowledge that you know how to teach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you know how to work well, acknowledge that you know how to work well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have intellectual ability, acknowledge that you have it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have an ability to comfort others, acknowledge it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have an ability to evangelize, acknowledge it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But immediately add:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have received all of this.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There lies Christian humility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Paul asks a devastating question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat do you have that you did not receive?\u201d This phrase resolves much of the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Christian does not need to deny his gifts in order to be humble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He needs to recognize their origin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He does not say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am not intelligent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe intelligence I have is a gift.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He does not say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have no ability for this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n If objectively he does have it, he says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGod has granted me this ability; I must use it responsibly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Humility does not destroy talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It brings it to its knees.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And then raises it up to serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here we reach the Christological heart of this whole question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our model is not simply a collection of abstract virtues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ can say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLearn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart\u201d But the same Christ who is humble is also the One who speaks with authority, publicly confronts error, drives the sellers from the Temple, announces the Kingdom, calls the Apostles, performs miracles, accepts the Cross, and perfectly fulfills the mission received from the Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ is not mediocre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ does not hide out of fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ does not bury His mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ does not say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPerhaps this is too much for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n His humility consists precisely in living fully from the Father<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And here we find the perfect union between humility and magnanimity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ does not seek His own glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But neither does He diminish His mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He does not reduce the truth in order to be acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He does not abandon the Cross because it is difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He does not give up doing good because some reject Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ\u2019s humility does not diminish His greatness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It reveals it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps one of the clearest signs of spiritual mediocrity is having reduced Christian life to \u201cnot doing bad things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Christian life is much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal is not simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI will not sin too much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n holiness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The universal call to holiness does not mean that we are all going to perform the same works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It means that we are all called to love God with all our soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, the Christian should not easily settle for a minimal spiritual life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI go to Mass when I can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI pray a little from time to time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI try to be a good person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI do not hurt anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n That may be a beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it should not become the final horizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christian life is called to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The grace received is called to bear fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charity is called to increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The virtues are called to become stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prayer is called to deepen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowledge of the faith is called to mature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat is enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This phrase may be reasonable in some circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it can also become a genuine spiritual barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it enough to pray for five minutes when you could dedicate more time?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it enough to know the faith superficially when you have the ability to study it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it enough to fulfill externally when you could grow internally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it enough to avoid sin when you could grow in virtue?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it enough to do the minimum when you could love more?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Christian question is not how much we have to do in order to \u201cfulfill the requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The deeper Christian question is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow much love can I put into what God is asking of me?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This point is especially important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Magnanimity does not eliminate prudence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saint Thomas is not defending a kind of naive optimism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It does not mean saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am going to do it because I am capable of everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n That would be presumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virtue seeks the mean according to reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, before undertaking something, we should ask ourselves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n After answering, an uncomfortable conclusion may emerge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, I can do it. And I probably should do it.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Then continuing to call the renunciation \u201chumility\u201d could simply be a way of avoiding responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can be one of the best questions for a spiritual examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not ask only:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat sins am I committing?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Also ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat good things am I failing to do?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What talent am I burying?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What responsibility am I avoiding?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What calling am I ignoring?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What virtue should I cultivate but keep postponing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What knowledge could I acquire?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whom could I help?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What good work could I begin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whom could I evangelize?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whom should I ask for forgiveness?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What aspect of my character should I correct?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What spiritual commitment do I keep postponing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christian life does not consist only in removing weeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also consists in cultivating the garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps someone reading these words has spent years thinking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am worthless.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And perhaps he needs to hear something different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You do not need to become someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You do not need to be famous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You do not need to prove anything to the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But neither do you have the right to systematically despise the gifts God has given you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If God has given you intelligence, use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If He has given you the ability to work, work well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If He has given you a family, sanctify it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If He has given you knowledge, share it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If He has given you leadership ability, exercise leadership as service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If He has given you the ability to teach, teach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If He has given you the ability to create, create good things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If He has given you the ability to evangelize, evangelize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If He has given you the ability to pray, intercede.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if your mission seems small\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n do it with greatness of soul.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There is another reason why many people remain small:<\/p>\n\n\n\n they are too afraid of making mistakes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n They want to be certain that everything will turn out well before beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But many great works require assuming prudent risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The magnanimous person is not someone who knows that he will never fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He is someone who considers that a particular good is worth the effort even when difficulty exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And this has enormous spiritual application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps you will never know whether a conversation helped someone draw closer to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps you will never know how much one of your words helped another person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps nobody will recognize your effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps an apostolate will fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps a project will not turn out as you expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps you will be criticized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the Christian does not measure the value of an action exclusively by its visible results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He must also ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWas it good? Was it prudent? Was it my duty? Did I do it out of love for God?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here we encounter the other extreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We cannot use this article to justify the ego.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am magnanimous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am destined for great things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGod has chosen me for something extraordinary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am different from others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be careful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That may be precisely the opposite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christian magnanimity never says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am great by myself.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGod is great and allows me to participate in His work.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The truly magnanimous person can accomplish great things while remaining deeply conscious of his dependence upon God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is why Saint Thomas can place humility and magnanimity together: one prevents the soul from rising in a disordered way; the other prevents it from cowardly remaining below what corresponds to its possibilities. (newadvent.org<\/a>)\ue201<\/p>\n\n\n\n Few figures demonstrate this union better than the Blessed Virgin Mary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary proclaims:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor he has looked upon the humility of his handmaid; for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed\u201d It is extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary speaks of her humility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But she also declares that all generations will call her blessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no contradiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Mary does not attribute her greatness to herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Mighty One has done great things for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This is perhaps one of the most beautiful definitions of true humility:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n1. The False Equation: \u201cHumility = Thinking Little of Myself\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
(Romans 12:6).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n2. Saint Thomas Introduces a Fundamental Distinction<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
God may not only ask us to avoid doing evil.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n3. The Sin of Burying the Talent<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n4. How Many Talents Do We Bury Today?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n5. Pusillanimity Is Not Humility<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n6. The Magnanimous Person Is Not Proud<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n7. Magnanimity Is a Profoundly Christian Virtue<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Humility says:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Magnanimity says:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n8. \u201cI Cannot\u201d Can Be Humility\u2026 or Pusillanimity<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n9. The Devil Does Not Always Need to Lead Us into Scandalous Sin<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n10. \u201cGod Does Not Need You to Be Extraordinary\u201d\u2026 But He Does Need You to Be Faithful<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n11. Do Not Confuse Mediocrity with Simplicity<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n12. The Christian Is Not Called to \u201cBe Someone,\u201d but to Bear Fruit<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n13. The Danger of Comparing Ourselves<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n14. True Humility Knows Its Limits\u2026 but Also Its Gifts<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n15. \u201cWhat Do You Have That You Did Not Receive?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n
(1 Corinthians 4:7).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n16. True Humility and Magnanimity Meet in Christ<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n
(Matthew 11:29).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n17. The Christian Must Aspire to Holiness<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n18. Spiritual Mediocrity Has a Favorite Phrase: \u201cThat Is Enough\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n19. Do Not Confuse Prudence with Cowardice<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\n20. Ask Yourself: \u201cWhat Am I Burying?\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n21. There Are People Who Need to Hear: \u201cYou Are Not Less Humble Because You Try\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n22. True Magnanimity Also Accepts Failure<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n23. Magnanimity Needs Humility So That It Does Not Become Pride<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n24. The Virgin Mary: Humility and Greatness in a Single Soul<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n
(Luke 1:48).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n