Sayings

The phrase ‘’Bite the dust’ has its origins in Psalm 72:9 of the King James Version of the Bible; “They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.”

Have you ever thought about the difference between 'humility' and 'humiliation'? There is a significant difference. Humility is the voluntary and wilful  choice to accept one’s place and position, whereas, humiliation is the forcing of an unwilling participant into their place or position.

Significantly, the Humiliation of Christ is a Christian doctrine that consists of the rejection and suffering that Jesus received and accepted. It is in Philippians that Paul speaks of Christ humbling himself. 

So, what is the difference between humbling and humiliation. The words 'humility' and 'humiliate', although derived from the same root 'humus' meaning earth, ground, are on the opposite ends of the spectrum. To humiliate is to cause a painful loss of pride, self-respect or dignity; in contrast, humility means a modest opinion of one's own importance.

A long time ago, Confucius gave his answer to that question concerning the wisdom of a humble life: “By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” When the psalmist speaks of biting the dust he no doubt is referring to being introduced to humility the hard way.

Jesus on the other hand says, “Blessed are the humble, for they shall inherit the earth.” For the disciple, it is not a question of licking the dust but tasting and seeing that the Lord is good.

We have no portrait of you, Lord, but in the Beatitudes you show us your interior landscape, the source of your joy. This is not a set of regulations, but a vision of where true happiness lies. Let us taste it, phrase by phrase. 

Merciful God,

give us the same attitude as Jesus,

who emptied himself

and was obedient to you

all the way to his death on the cross.

Make us eager to put others before ourselves,

and their needs before our own.

We ask this through your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.