In Catholic tradition there is a phrase found in what was once known as the Confiteor. This is said during Mass and there is one part of this prayer, if that is what you call it, where you say the phrase mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Nowadays Latin is no longer used in most locations, but the phrase basically means through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.
So here I am. Sitting here right now. Staring at this computer screen. My entire life has brought me to this one moment. All the good and all the bad have brought me to where I am at right now. Anything good, I will certainly claim for myself. Anything bad, I only have one choice but to claim mea culpa. It is my own damn fault.
Mea Culpa is an attitude that expresses that it is pointless, worthless and even prideful to blame anyone else but yourself. All you can take responsibility for is yourself, and therefore, the only person you can blame is yourself. This is probably at the core of what humility is. Take responsibility for your own self and let the chips fall where they may.
Guy Reams
