Aim High, Go Low

How To Take Humble Steps to Heaven

by Mary Lovee Klipp

"King of the Universe Born in Animal Feedbox"
"Uneducated Nun Makes All-Time Catholic Bestseller List"
"Pregnant, Unmarried Girl to be Mother of God"

Don't sit around waiting for headlines like these to pop up on the evening news or the front page of USA Today. They won't. But you'll find them all over the Bible and throughout the 2000-plus history of the Catholic Church. I don't think I'm the only one catching the ironic drift here in these situations. Yet they accurately describe Jesus, St. Therese of Lisieux, and Mary, who from very humble beginnings reached great heights of holiness and, in doing so, changed the world. Here are three ways to follow in their radical footprints:

Step #1: Take the Road Less Traveled

Let's be honest. God's ways often run against the grain, and don't always make sense to the rest of us.

Why did Christ choose to be born in a hidden stable, instead of a palace or at least in a house? Why would God the Father choose an unknown Jewish girl to be hailed as "blessed among women"? (Luke 1:28)

As for Therese, the Little Flower (my fave saint by the way), one pope called her the most popular saint of the century while another made her a doctor of the Church. Kind of funny for an ordinary girl who lived by something called the "little way," isn't it?

What they all have in common is they lived God's call to "seek first the kingdom". (Matthew 6:33) They were not focused on pop culture and following the crowd. They were not concerned if their actions would make them popular or bring them fame, power or material gain.

No, the way they chose was not the most popular choice by today's standards, but we must realize that their call is also our own. And in order to follow that call, we will often have to take the road less traveled.

Step #2: Follow the "Little Way"

I recently took a job working at a mall bookstore for the holidays. My truck driver husband is on the road a lot, and this was one way to fill up some of my free time and earn some extra money for Christmas. But in order to last there, I had to swallow a lot of pride.

My manager was several years younger than me and didn't mind lording her position over the rest of us slightly "older" folk. Now as a Christian, I'm asked to turn the other check -- but I'm not called to be a doormat. However, instead of becoming overly angry and bitter, I did my best to offer up my hurt ego to Christ and asked for my manager's conversion as a more decent human being. Only God can change hearts, and while my manager is not yet Mother Teresa, I feel better about myself.

Before you start giving me credit for this novel idea, I'll tell you where it really came from: (you guessed it) Therese of Lisieux. Her "little way" to heaven is really an amazing path to follow.

Step #3: Take Small Steps

Therese of Lisieux was so sure of God's help, she often said, "When we do not give up praying, confidence works miracles." But don't expect to be zapped into an angel or saint over night. It just doesn't work that way.

Being humble before God actually takes a lot of guts and hard work. I still get frustrated at my temporary job and annoyed at my husband when we disagree; at my parents when I'm not cooking a meal exactly according to Great-Aunt Irene's recipes; and at my 30-year-old sister who still tries to tell me what to do! God even shares the brunt of my temper when things just don't go my way.

The point is that holiness, just like a sport or musical instrument, takes a lot of practice and patience. Just remember to take it one step at a time.

Holy = Humble

To aim for holiness, seek the lowliness of the way of Christ, his Mother, the saints, and the rest of us crazies stumbling along after them. Put God first and the rest will follow. There's a song I've sung at Mass that really drives the point home:

"What do you want of me, Lord?
Where do you want me to serve you?
Where can I sing your praises?
I am your song.
Jesus, Jesus, you are the Lord.
Jesus, Jesus, you are the way.
I am your song and servant, singing your praise like Mary.
Surrendered to your Spirit, 'Let it be done to me.' "
- Servant Song, by Sr. Donna Marie McGargill, OSM

Life Applications:

In what ways do you put God first in your life?
What challenges do you face in trying to do the right thing?
How can you practice St. Therese's "little way"?

Copyright 2003-2008 by Mary Lovee Klipp
All rights reserved.