Friends, today we are celebrating the twenty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time year C. Our Mother Church calls our attention to a fundamental Christian virtue, humility. It is an attribute and quality of God that all his children must strive to possess and live. Therefore, she encourages us to reflect deeply on this great virtue. She calls us to imitate the humility of Jesus Christ, our Lord, the new covenant mediator. The readings of this Sunday, focus on themes of humility, generosity, and the value of each person. Lord, help us to be humble and recognize our need for You. Guide us to be generous without expecting anything in return. Teach us to respect and love everyone as You do.
The first reading of this Sunday is a piece of candid advice from the Preacher. He gives us the key to a successful fellowship with God, and of course, with one another. He advises us, “Behave humbly, and you will find favor with the Lord.” This is absolutely right. Humility was a distinctive mark of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Sirach advises us to be modest and not to seek praise. This teaches us to recognize our own limits and depend on God. Humility helps us understand our place in the world. When we are humble, we see the greatness of God more clearly. We know that everything good comes from Him. Being humble also improves our relationships. When we are not trying to be better than others, we can treat them with kindness and respect. Humility makes us better friends, family members, and neighbors.
Friends, the second reading reminds us that our destination is Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, and the city of the living God. In this city, only the humble like the Angels and Saints can dwell there. Indeed, the proud cannot because a proud heart cannot worship the Lord. This reading reminds us that all people are valuable in God’s eyes. We should treat everyone with love and kindness. Respecting others means seeing them as God sees them. Everyone has dignity and worth. When we respect others, we show that we understand this truth. Respecting all people also helps create a better community. It brings peace and harmony. When we love our neighbors, we build a stronger, more united world.
Friends, the gospel takes us to the climax of today’s good news. Christ exhorts us, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus teaches the importance of humility and simplicity in our Christian journey. In this regard, we have a lot to learn from the Blessed Virgin Mary, who humbled herself. Her humility was so remarkable that God exalted her to be the mother of his son. There is nothing to lose by being humble. The book of Proverbs tells us, “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth, honor, and life” (Prov 22:4). On the contrary, pride results in defeat and shame. Any spiritual life not anchored on humility definitely will be an empty one. This is because such a Christian will only work for himself and without regard for others.
Friends, today Jesus tells us to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. He says that we should give without expecting anything in return. This is true generosity. Helping those who cannot repay us reflects God’s love. God gives us many blessings freely. We are called to share these blessings with others. When we help those in need, we live out our faith. Serving others shows that we understand Jesus’ teachings. It also brings us closer to God’s kingdom. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a blessed Sunday and a fruitful new week ahead of you.
