Third Day: St. Thomas, example of humility

“All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted” (Mt 23:12).

St. Thomas, when you were a young student some of your classmen called you the “dumb ox.” Although you were more intelligent than all of them, you bore their insults patiently without retaliating. You were endowed with a keen mind but recognized that God is the source of all gifts. You humbly acknowledged your dependence on God, and begged him to enlighten you so that you would act only for his glory.

St. Thomas, pray for me that I too learn to act out of humility and never from the empty desire for esteem in the sight of others. Help me to seek only God’s glory and to act with a right intention. May I seek to humble myself now, so that in heaven I will shine like the stars for all eternity.
(Recite the novena prayer.)