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In the World–January 18, 2026

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RESPONDING WITH HUMILITY

The last days of 2025 saw the death of a 94-year-old woman who became famous when she was cruelly mocked for her effort at art restoration. Back in 2012, Cecilia Giménez (then 81) attempted to restore a deteriorated portrait of Jesus on the wall of the Catholic church in her small town of Borja, Spain. Giménez’s unskilled efforts became known to the world, and the botched restoration, nicknamed “Monkey Christ,” made Giménez an object of international scorn. She was deeply troubled by the ridicule. But neighbors knew her good intentions and humble heart, and they surrounded her with support. Now Borja is an unlikely tourist spot, and the “ruined” painting has become a source of income from tourists who visit the little town. “I used to cry a lot over all this,” she said in 2018, “but I don’t cry anymore because I can see how much I’m loved.”

PRAYING WITH HUMILITY

Today’s reading has three passages that illustrate humble prayer. In Genesis 18, Abraham relies on what he knows of God’s character to boldly ask the Lord to spare the city, on account of even a small number of righteous residents. In Luke, Jesus tells a parable about two people going up to the temple to pray: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The tax collector approaches God with a humble request for mercy, which leaves him with a right relationship with God, while the proud Pharisee will be humbled. Finally, 1 John invites us to approach God with confidence, knowing that God hears our requests, and grants those requests that align with His sovereign will.

  1. How does understanding someone’s intentions change your interpretation of what happened?
  2. What is an example of someone’s great humility?
  3. When have you approached God with a humble heart?

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David C Cook Editorial

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