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The eighth petition of the Litany of Humility confronts one of the strongest forces in human life:
“From the desire of being approved, deliver me, O Jesus.”
We long for approval — from family, friends, coworkers, even strangers. Approval feels like affirmation of our worth. But to make it our desire is dangerous, because it binds our hearts to the shifting opinions of men rather than the eternal truth of God. “If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ,” St. Paul warns (Gal 1:10).
St. Thomas Aquinas distinguishes approval from truth:
“Conscience binds, not human opinion. For it is God Who judges man, not man himself.” (ST I-II, q.19, a.5)
Approval is not holiness. Holiness may even bring disapproval. To crave approval is to risk compromise; to live for God alone is to stand firm in truth.
Eastern Witness: St. Maximus the Confessor
St. Maximus (7th century) suffered greatly because he refused to approve of heresy. When the Byzantine emperor and patriarch promoted the false teaching of Monothelitism — claiming Christ had only one will — many churchmen compromised for the sake of peace. Maximus stood firm, declaring that Christ must have both a human and divine will to truly save humanity.
For this, he was arrested, tried, and condemned. His tongue was cut out and his hand cut off so he could no longer teach. The world disapproved of him — but heaven approved. Today he is remembered as the Confessor, a witness who endured suffering for truth.
Western Witness: Blessed Miguel Pro
Bl. Miguel Pro (20th century), a Jesuit priest in Mexico, ministered in secret during fierce persecution of the Church. Disguised in different costumes, he brought the sacraments to the faithful at great personal risk.
Arrested on false charges of plotting against the government, he was condemned to death without trial or defense. Denied human approval, Miguel stretched out his arms before the firing squad and cried: “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” (Long live Christ the King!). His approval was not of men, but of God.
The Only Approval That Matters
Maximus and Miguel show us that true holiness often means standing without approval, even enduring rejection or hostility. The measure of sanctity is not man’s approval but God’s judgment.
Aquinas reminds us:
“The reward of virtue is with God, not with men.” (ST I-II, q.114, a.1)
Thus, in praying this petition, we ask Christ to free us from the tyranny of men’s opinions, and to fix our hearts only on His approval.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, deliver me from the restless desire for approval. With Maximus, may I confess Your truth even when the world condemns me. With Miguel Pro, may I stand firm with courage, seeking only Your smile. Let me remember always that Your judgment alone is eternal.
From the desire of being approved, deliver me, O Jesus.
