Lord Jesus. Meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.— Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930)
This litany by Cardinal De Val was later published in the book of prayers, is not used during a Mass or liturgy but it is a prayer and devotion for many. It is a penitent’s prayer. At first glance and reading, it may cross one’s mind, that how can one be called to such a nothingness of wanting and being. It may almost seem to erode all that we know, love and seek. It may seem like a void of darkness but in reality a brilliance of light.
In my experience and I suspect many, humility turns a beggar to a giver. For if one seeks with all their heart and soul what God wants and what God sees in us and places all trust of the entirety of being and life in God, a life would be filled with humility. We would want for nothing in this world but only to give pure love. Discouragement, guilt, entitlement and so many traits may be dissolved in love. If we purge all forms of pride in us, we can live according to what we were created to be and become. With pride we rob ourselves from the goodness God wants for us. Our eyes and heart cannot see through the thickets that form in our hearts. We must clear away the clutter that dampens us and build a great love within our soul. We must always remember we are made to love and be loved in the ways our creator. Many have forgotten or never known the meaning of love in it’s truth. A sad reality that can span from birth to death. It is a prayer and petition to ask Jesus to deliver us from forms of pride and bring us to pure humility and holiness. Ultimately, into the realm of being holy and walking with God in our life. Think of living a life of never wanting from anything of the world, and allowing God to be all.
Time and time again, I take one line in my heart and try to cultivate it. It is not an easy endeavour. Even with the great intentions and will, it challenges us. During reconciliation a pastor reminded me it is because of our human nature that makes it so difficult. But it is the progress we make towards a divine nature that changes us and forms us. All that matters is that we are moving towards Jesus in our life. That today God is greater in us than yesterday. This Lent for the time in all my life of faith I have made weekly confessions with a priest and I feel it changing me and awakening me in ways that are mysterious. I have used this Litany and life of Mother Theresa to be a guide and model for me. May you always feel the loving embrace of God and Mother Mary in all times.
Peace,
Claudia
OurNourishedSoul