The person who works in my house is very, very humble.

You may have heard this phrase for sure. And surely you know that whoever said that was referring to someone with little financial or intellectual resources or both.

In general we associate poverty, illiteracy and ignorance to humility.

However, Jesus of Nazareth, Francis of Assisi and Francisco Cândido Xavier were also humble.

And these do not fit the above profile. Jesus was humble, although, no one would ever imagine He was an illiterate.

Having deep knowledge of the human soul, which gives Him an immediate high psychological condition, He was also acquainted with the History of Israel, the culture of the world He lived in, and the Scriptures.

His lines, his pronouncements referring to the old law, the prophets, the political conditions of His time all prove that.

To others He was a poet, wisely using figures of speech and adapting them to the teachings He wanted to offer the people to whom He spoke.

Nobody was as great as Him. And He was humble. He said himself: Learn from me who is meek and humble of heart.

Francisco Cândido Xavier did not have financial resources or diplomas.

But no one would dare call him ignorant. Just remember his wisdom during interviews with journalists, reporters, and scientists who wanted to study his psychic qualities.

He knew how to behave in public using appropriate vocabulary and demonstrating the level of his intellect.

Francis of Assisi was born in a rich cradle and embraced poverty as an option of teaching that wished to minister in the Middle Ages.

He was humble and knowledgeable of the Gospel. He was also a composer. He was said to be the singer of the great King, God.

With the ideal of spreading the Gospel of Jesus in its purest essence, he added and led rich young and educated men to the same ideal.

He spoke to the common people, he spoke to judges and the ecclesiastical authorities.

It is said that once, upon returning from Rome to Assisi, he stopped in the city of Imola. As a matter of hierarchical respect, he introduced himself to the bishop and expressed his desire to preach in the local church.

I preach to my people and that is enough! - Was the bishop's answer.

Francis retracted and returned an hour later, making the same request.

Before the bishop's surprise for his insistence, he replied:

My lord, if a father expellees his son through one door, he must come back through another!

His logical reasoning earned him the right to take place in the prelate pulpit for the preaching.

*   *   *

Humility is a virtue that shines in the hearts of good men.

Men of intellect that nevertheless despise no one.

Men of wealth that shelter everyone.

Men that know how to claim their rights, never being omissive.

Good men. Humble.

Let us rethink our concepts.

Spiritist Moment Team, based on facts collected from chapter Onze (1213-1218) of the book Francisco de Assis, o santo relutante, by Donald Spoto, published by Objetiva.

August 05.2011.