Luke 14:11
For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.
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If you have followed the gospel readings for this week and for this Sunday, all of them evolve in one theme – Humility. Of all the virtues of Jesus, I can say that this is the most difficult to emulate in our lives. And why? Because you cannot even say’ “I am a humble person”, for that would mean already bragging about yourself.
And so humility is best exemplified by our actions. Through what we wear, how we speak, and prefer others above ourselves. It is more than being concerned with keeping a brother from sinning; but rather, takes into account the other’s spiritual and physical well-being and guides them into proper action.
Jesus’ parable about those who go to a feast has a simple message. “When you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.”
This is a parable on not just about being humble, but also on how that proud will be humiliated by the meek.
If a person accomplished something, however small, encourage him and rejoice with him instead of bragging about your “better” achievements. And when you, yourself, receive accolades, receive the joy but always with the memory of where you are in Christ, who made it possible for you.
Let us pray +
God, I am far too often influenced by what others think of me. I am always pretending to be either richer or smarter or nicer than I really am. Please prevent me from trying to attract attention. Don’t let me gloat over praise on one hand or be discouraged by criticism on the other. Show me how to be humble of heart, like you. Amen +
God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
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