February 16, 2026
Presidents Day
Humility is the virtue
that acknowledges our dependence on God,
involves a realistic self-knowledge
of both our strengths as gifts from God
and our weaknesses,
and restrains the desire to think
more highly of ourselves than we ought.
It opposes the deadly sin of pride.
Today, we honor the individuals who, in the office of President, have served the people of the United States with integrity. Some did it better than others, grounded, I think, in one indispensable virtue – humility.
Many Presidents seemed to have understood this critical virtue:
- “Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power and it is to serve people.” ― George W. Bush
- “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” ― Calvin Coolidge
- “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” ―Theodore Roosevelt
- “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” ― Harry S. Truman
- “What are the things that you can’t see that are important? I would say justice, truth, humility, service, compassion, love. They’re the guiding lights of a life.” – Jimmy Carter
We may have varying political opinions about how each of these men delivered on their stated understanding. But they all executed their presidential service with honor, having accomplished something significant and generous for our country. They avoided pride and self-absorption, a deadly combination in any would-be leader—a combination that has been the downfall of several of their peers.
In a wonderful Gospel passage, Jesus confronts such budding pride in the Zebedee brothers, his apostles James and John. They lobby Jesus for premium seats in heaven. Jesus tells them that those seats come at a price they might not be willing to pay.
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be subservient to all.”
Photos from Getty Images
Our Presidents have been called to live this kind of humble service to the nation. We thank God today for those who have answered the call well. We pray for brave women and men to answer this call in the future. May they model their service on the example of good presidents before them, and on the call of Jesus to serve God’s people in humility.
Music: Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly – Pat Barrett
Suggested Scripture: Matthew 10:35-45
For Your Reflection:
- What feelings or reactions do I have after reading this reflection?
- Do my feelings or reactions remind me of any passage or event in scripture, especially in the life of Christ?
- What actions might I take today because of my response to these readings?
Lavish Mercy 