There are times, whether we are teachers, writers, engineers, counselors or chefs, when we have to move past our skills, experience and wisdom, and pick up a broom.

Sometimes, the repetitive sweep, sweep, sweep, was a satisfying meditation that cleaned away the dust and crumbs and left things refreshingly clean.

Other times, we pick up the broom with a grumbling heart, tired of the mundane, boring task of sweeping – again.

It was in one of those grumbling moments when a conversation with a favorite monsignor came to mind. He shared with me his deep appreciation for Our Lady of the Broom. As I heard, again. the joy and laughter in his voice as he spoke about the Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, pushing a broom around the floor of her modest home in Nazareth, I began to smile, as well.

He reminded me that we tend to take ourselves too seriously, think of ourselves too highly, when the everyday blessing of caring for the gift of a home – or a classroom, or an office or a kitchen – is reason to complain. Sweeping, he reminded me, is an exercise in humility, as Mary has modeled for us.

With the rise of social media, the glorification of vanity, and the need for youth to compete for attention, especially difficult when they are not the kind of person who really wants to seek the spotlight, lessons in the meaning and value of humility is a positive thing.

How can we encourage children and youth to embody Mary’s humility?

Paint a visual picture – Children know Mary most often by the images they see in their textbooks or hanging on the wall in their homes or parishes, and while there are some statues and images of Our Lady of the Broom, it’s unusual to see them. Painting a visual picture of a day in the life of Mary will help them appreciate Mary’s role caring for her family, a role that was a highly respected one for Jewish women in Old Testament times (Read Proverbs 31:10-31), but which changed dramatically during New Testament times. That is why Jesus’ talking to women, especially one on one, was such a radical behavior.

Highlight the strengths of others – Helping others recognize and develop their own strengths is a trait of humble people. Encourage them to light the flame of others instead of being flame snuffers by bragging about their own strengths and talents. Ask students to identify their own gifts and talents and ask them how they might share them to help others develop their own strengths. One day a week, pick up a broom, and let children help put the classroom back in order. Cooperation and personal responsibility are definite strengths for youth.

Humility is service – When we learn about Mary, beginning with her “yes” to God, we understand true humility includes service. Mary does not think of herself as less or more than anyone else, she just acknowledges who she is, “the handmaid of God.” We see her desire for service when she travels to take care of the needs of her pregnant cousin Elizabeth. We see it again when she asks Jesus to turn water into wine for the couple in Cana, and, most important, in her presence throughout Jesus’ ministry and at the foot of the Cross. Ask children for suggestions on how they can be of service to others, in the classroom and at home.

Teaching humility requires modeling – Being humble means being teachable. Be open to listening and learning about your students and your faith. Be curious and attentive to learning new things and set the example for students. Acknowledge your faults and failures as opportunities to do better, and express gratitude to God for your gifts, talents and successes. While it’s important to applaud students’ efforts, encourage them to also praise God for the gift of who they are.

For teachers: In this beautiful reflection, The Gift of Humility - Grateful.org, author Colette Lafia writes, “Humility and gratitude are about acknowledging a togetherness we all live in – with each other, with nature, and with the Sacred. We are invited to take our place with grace, in great and growing gratitude,” and offers us a lovely gratitude practice.

About the Author
Mary Clifford Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to ten, is a Catholic journalist, editor, and author who has served the Dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey; Burlington, Vermont, and RENEW International in the areas of religious education and communication.