Introduction: As you reflect on the readings for this day, may the Lord Jesus move you to think more of the needs of others than of your own desires and wishes.
Have you ever been so sick or disabled that you were not able to carry on without the help of another person? Did another person(s) care for you in such a way that you sensed it was a joyful thing for them to serve you? Others love us not because we deserved to be cared for and loved, but simply because others were willing to help us in our need. We are all called to be reach out in humble and loving service to those who need our assistance, whether it be physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual. We must be willing to do so, not so those in need can eventually pay us back, but simply because they are loved by GOD.
Our readings today challenge us to look at our relationships in dealing with others. The passage from Sirach advises us to be humble in our relationships with others. The Responsorial Psalm describes the relationship GOD has with those who are lowly and needy. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews describes how the relationship, that is between GOD and those who seek to have a relationship with GOD, has moved to a new and more intimate and attainable closeness, in and through Jesus. In the Gospel, Jesus describes the humility that should mark the way we relate to others.
First Reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
‘Humble yourself so you will find favour in the sight of the Lord.’
Responsorial Ps68:4-5ac. 6-7b. 10-11.
In your goodness, O God, you provided a home for the poor.
The Responsorial describes the relationship that the
almighty GOD has with those who are the least of the lowly. GOD is the loving
Parent to those who have lost their earthly parents. GOD is the source of
protection for those who are without any resources for housing. GOD is the
source of richness for those who are deprived of all freedom and value, even if
the loss of freedom and values is the result of their own doing. The obvious
conclusion is that if our Abba-Father, Who happens to be GOD, can be so gracious
to the outcasts, we must do likewise.
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a
‘You have come to Mount Sion and to the city of the living God.’
The author describes that GOD was revealed to the Hebrews of
old in awesome and terrifying signs: blazing fire, gloomy darkness, storminess,
and loud sounds. The same GOD Who is revealed now in and through Jesus to the
new “Chosen People” is known by other signs: festal gatherings, assembly of
peoples, and renewed spirits of people. The change in focus is based on a new
understanding that Jesus has brought – not one of terror, but one of
awesomeness, not one of punishment, but one of mercy and joy.
Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14: ‘Everyone who exalts himself
will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’
Commentary: Two
parables about invitations to table. Both are from Luke’s special material,
without parallel in the other gospels. He moves in a higher stratum of society
than Mark and Matthew, and often has in mind the implications of the gospel for
their situation. The first parable, however, like several of Luke’s parables,
seems to be developed from a little Old Testament proverb: ‘Do not give
yourself airs, do not take a place among the great; better to be invited, ‘Come
up here,’ than to be humiliated’ (Proverbs 25.6-7). At first sight this seems a
merely worldly precaution, a false humility engineered to gain attention. But
for Luke a banquet is always an image of the heavenly banquet of the Lord. So
the message is a moral one too: don’t think yourself better than you are. The
message is also typical of Luke’s open and straightforward approach. One is
reminded of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-collector at prayer, where
the latter prays only ‘God be merciful to me, a sinner.’ The second parable
also is typical of Luke, his stress on the inherent danger of wealth, on the
need to use wealth well, and his concern for the poor and
neglected in society.
Reflection: Who wants to be last? Isn't it only natural to desire respect and esteem from others? Jesus' parable of the guests invited to the marriage feast probes our motives for seeking honor and position. Self-promotion is most often achieved at the expense of others! Jesus' parable reinforces the teaching of Proverbs: Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great; for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of the prince (Proverbs 25:6-7).
True humility frees us to be our true selves as God sees us: What is true humility and why should we make it a characteristic mark of our life and action? True humility is not feeling bad about yourself, or having a low opinion of yourself, or thinking of yourself as inferior to others. True humility frees us from preoccupation with ourselves, whereas a low self-opinion tends to focus our attention on ourselves. Humility is truth in self-understanding and truth in action. Viewing ourselves truthfully, with sober judgment, means seeing ourselves the way God sees us (Psalm 139:1-4). A humble person makes a realistic assessment of himself or herself without illusion or pretense to be something he or she is not. The humble regard themselves neither smaller nor larger than they truly are.
True humility frees us to be our true selves and to avoid despair and pride. A humble person does not have to wear a mask or put on a facade in order to look good to others, especially to those who are not really familiar with that person. The humble are not swayed by accidentals, such as fame, reputation, success, or failure.
True humility frees us to love and serve selflessly for the good of others: Humility is the queen or foundation of all the other virtues because it enables us to view and judge ourselves correctly, the way God sees us. Humility leads to true self-knowledge, honesty, realism, strength, and dedication to give ourselves to something greater than ourselves. Humility frees us to love and serve others selflessly, for their sake, rather than our own. Paul the Apostles, gives us the greatest example and model of humility in the person of Jesus Christ, who emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, ...who humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8). The Lord Jesus gives grace to those who seek him humbly. Do you want to be a servant as Jesus served?
Lord Jesus, you became a servant for my sake to set me free
from the tyranny of sin, selfishness, and conceit. Help me to be humble as you
are humble and to love freely and graciously all whom you call me to serve.
Daily Quote from the Early
Church Fathers: Jesus calls us to
be humble, modest, and praiseworthy, by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)
"'When,' he says, 'a man more honorable than you comes, he that invited you and him will say, 'Give this man place.' Oh, what great shame is there in having to do this! It is like a theft, so to speak, and the restitution of the stolen goods. He must restore what he has seized because he had no right to take it. The modest and praiseworthy person, who without fear of blame might have claimed the dignity of sitting among the foremost, does not seek it. He yields to others what might be called his own, that he may not even seem to be overcome by empty pride. Such a one shall receive honor as his due. He says, 'He shall hear him who invited him say, "Come up here."... If any one among you wants to be set above others, let him win it by the decree of heaven and be crowned by those honors that God bestows. Let him surpass the many by having the testimony of glorious virtues. The rule of virtue is a lowly mind that does not love boasting. It is humility. The blessed Paul also counted this worthy of all esteem. He writes to those who eagerly desire saintly pursuits, 'Love humility.'" (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 101.5)
the lowdown on humility
“Conduct your affairs with humility.” —Sirach 3:17
Jesus is “humble of heart” (Mt 11:29), continually going to a lower place. He left the royal bliss of heaven to suffer rejection, even though He created the world. “To His own He came, yet His own did not accept Him” (Jn 1:11). He was born in a humble stable, not a royal palace. Though sinless, He accepted a baptism of repentance (Mt 3:13-17). Out of love for us, Jesus even “became sin” (see 2 Cor 5:21) and “a curse for us” (Gal 3:13). Jesus chose as His apostles lowly, uneducated laborers, “those who count for nothing” (1 Cor 1:28). If there was a way to go lower, Jesus kept finding it.
Even in a moment of public triumph, Jesus remained humble, entering Jerusalem on a donkey rather than a mighty stallion (Mt 21:5; Zec 9:9). Though Master, Jesus performed the lowly work of a servant by washing the feet of His apostles (Jn 13:4-5). When accused, He did not defend Himself, but let Himself be condemned without opening His mouth in self-defense (Mt 26:63; Is 53:7). Then He endured “the lowest place” (Lk 14:10), just so we might possibly choose to love Him. He humbled Himself even to a humiliating, public death reserved for criminals and slaves (Phil 2:7-8).
“God is love” (1 Jn 4:8, 16). He will take the very lowest place if that’s what it takes to save us (see Ps 139:8). We can wander to the farthest place from God, and paradoxically, He is there to rescue us, even though we might reject or ignore Him (see Lk 15:4). Come to Jesus and beg Him, “Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine” (see Mt 11:28-29).
Prayer: Father,
take away not only my sins, but also my pride. May I humble myself daily in
Your sight (1 Pt 5:6). “Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you
will find favor with God.” —Sir 3:18. Praise Jesus, Who humbled Himself and
left the glory of heaven so that we could be exalted and live with Him forever
The personal action for
today: When I think of humility,
what words come to my mind? How do I manifest humility in my relationship with
others? How can I more effectively reach out to those who are most in need of
my help in a caring, and yet not condescending, manner? Who is most in need of
my service today? This weekend? This week?
*Saints Joseph of Arimathea’s and Nicodemus: The actions of these two influential Jewish leaders give insight into the charismatic power of Jesus and his teachings—and the risks that could be involved in following him.
Joseph was a respected, wealthy civic leader who had become a disciple of Jesus. Following the death of Jesus, Joseph obtained Jesus’ body from Pilate, wrapped it in fine linen and buried it. For these reasons, Joseph is considered the patron saint of funeral directors and pallbearers. More important is the courage Joseph showed in asking Pilate for Jesus’ body. Jesus was a condemned criminal who had been publicly executed. According to some legends, Joseph was punished and imprisoned for such a bold act.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and, like Joseph, an important first-century Jew. We know from John’s Gospel that Nicodemus went to Jesus at night—secretly—to better understand his teachings about the kingdom. Later, he spoke up for Jesus at the time of his arrest and assisted in Jesus’ burial. We know little else about Nicodemus.
Celebrating these two contemporaries of Jesus who played
significant roles in Jesus’ life, reminds us of the humanity of Jesus and how
he related to his fellow men and women. His gentleness to these two and his
acceptance of their help remind us that he treats us in the same gentle way.
