Many times, I have reflected on what it means to be humble and how to live a life of humility. In today’s Gospel, we are told to not be like the Pharisees, who do all their good works so that they may be seen and praised, but rather to humble ourselves because “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted”.

The call to live a life of humility reminds me of St. Therese of Lisieux’s “Little Way”, in which every small ordinary action throughout the day is done out of great love for others. St. Therese realized that Jesus does not ask for huge heroic deeds in order to “win” His love. Instead, through God’s great love for us, we are given the grace to show God’s love for others in the small sacrifices of the day-to-day.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that the most beauty lies in the little things. Last semester, when I was struggling to study for my exams, someone left me a note that said, “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. Good luck with your exams!”. That small note not only helped me to remain motivated and to remember the purpose of all my work, but it also reminded me of how loved I was. This has shown me the beauty of doing small things for others, especially when there is nothing expected in return.

This Lent, may we all have the courage to humbly surrender ourselves to God and to carry out small sacrifices out of love for others, whether it be giving others a smile, a listening ear, or our time. As St. Therese reminds us, in the end “love alone counts”.