The seventh degree of humility is that he consider himself lower and of less account than anyone else, and this not only in verbal protestation but also with the most heartfelt inner conviction, humbling himself and saying with the Prophet, "But I am a worm and no man, the scorn of men and the outcast of the people" (Ps. 21:7)."After being exalted, I have been humbled and covered with confusion" (Pa. 87:16). And again, "It is good for me that You have humbled me, that I may learn Your commandments" (Ps. 118:71).

After Freud it is difficult to declare with heartfelt inner conviction, "I am a worm."

Between Roman pride and Renaissance confidence there was plenty of arrogance and ambition. But Benedict was one of the founders of a new culture that emphasized humanity's poverty in comparison to God's abundance.

I am not entirely comfortable with such extreme self-denial by the individual. But considering the effect of the opposite on contemporary culture, I cannot simply reject the principle.

The goal, it seems to me, is to recognize and accept our individual limitations while celebrating and cultivating the grace and gifts which together we enjoy as sons and daughters of God.

Perhaps I am only a worm, but in fellowship with my fellow worms and depending on the grace of God, I can transform hard ground into rich soil.