Our first reading and gospel speak to us about humility. We read from the Book of Sirach: My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. In the gospel, Jesus’s parable about places of honor at the dinner table is about living a life of humility. Jesus also said in Luke 14:11: For everyone who exalts himself, will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.
What else did Jesus say about humility? The Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve (Mk10:45) St. Paul writes in Phil2:6-8: Though he was in the form of God, he didn’t deem equality with God something to be grasped at…He was known to be of human estate and it was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross.
Every time we encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, we see the supreme example of His humility. Our God, humbling Himself, leaving His Real Presence in bread and wine! The great God of heaven and earth reduces Himself and places Himself at our service!
Each time we go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we humble ourselves, confessing our sins to the priest. Our humility opens us to the mercy of God! In this sacrament, we approach Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant as described in today’s Letter to the Hebrews.
Mary, Mother of God provides us with a model of humility. We see her witness of humility in each of the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. The Annunciation: Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” The Visitation: And Mary said:…For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Birth of Our Lord: …and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager because there was no room for them in the inn. The Presentation: …and you yourself a sword will pierce, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be laid bare. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple: Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.
Let’s serve as Jesus served! Let’s say “yes” to God as Mary did!
God bless us all always!
Deacon Mike