In this episode of The Rule of St. Benedict for Daily Life, Kris McGregor reflects on the second degree of humility in Chapter 7 of the Holy Rule. St. Benedict moves from awareness of God’s presence to the ordering of the human will. Humility becomes concrete when personal preference is placed within obedience to God.

Self-will often appears reasonable and justified, yet it can quietly shape life around personal control and insistence. Benedictine formation gently loosens that grip. Looking to Christ, who came not to do His own will but the will of the Father, the heart learns to surrender preference and rest in trust. Over time, this practice forms a deeper freedom as the will becomes aligned with God rather than governed by personal inclination.

Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 7 § 31 (RB 1980)

“The second degree of humility is that a person loves not his own will
nor takes pleasure in satisfying his desires,
but imitates the Lord, of whom the Scripture says:
‘I came not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.’”

“Secundus humilitatis gradus est, si propriam non amans voluntatem, nec delectetur implere desideria sua, sed imitatur Dominum, dicentem: Non veni facere voluntatem meam, sed eius qui me misit.”

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.”

1. Where do I most strongly experience the pull of personal preference?
2. How do I react when my plans or desires are interrupted?
3. In what ways does Christ’s obedience to the Father challenge my understanding of freedom?
4. Can I recognize the difference between a healthy desire and self-will that insists on control?
5. What small opportunity today might allow me to yield my preference peacefully?

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