HUMILITY: AN INDISPENSABLE CHRISTIAN VIRTUE (HOMILY FOR THE 22RD SUNDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Homily for the 22nd Sunday in the ordinary time of the year C

Theme: HUMILITY: AN INDISPENSABLE CHRISTIAN VIRTUE

Sirach 3: 17-20; 28-29; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24; Luke 14:1,7-14

Humility, the philosophers will say is the solid foundation of all virtues, so much so that without humility, there can be no humanity. St. Isaac the Syrian, says that just as salt is needed for all kinds of food, so humility is needed for all kinds of virtues. It is commonly and rightfully said: “A tree that wants to touch the sky must extend its root into the earth. The more it wants to rise upwards, the more it has to grow downwards. So to rise in life, we must be down to earth, humble and grateful”. Humility, the sage will tell us, is not weakness but strength under control. It is not denying your strengths but being honest about your weakness. Humility is royalty without a crown because in its greatness it doesn't need to be noticed. Humility is the key to greatness, for greatness does not consist in possession power, position or prestige but in humble service and Character. 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, central to the liturgy of the word this Sunday is the theme of humility. The word of God tells us: “God has scattered the proud hearted, brought down the might from their thrones, and raises the lowly” (LK 1:51-52). Hence, the Holy mother Church guides us to reflect on the essentiality of Humilty: the mother of all virtues in our Christian spirituality.

The first reading from the book of Sirach admonishes us on the essentiality of humility. It says: “My Child, perform your tasks with humility; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts. The greater you are, the more you must humble youself; so you will find favour in the sight of the Lord. For great is the might of the Lord; But by the humble he is glorified” (Sir 3:17-20). Sequel to this, the saints recommend to us: “Humility is the only virtue that no devil can imitate. If pride could make demons out of angels, no doubt, that humility could make angels out of demons”. Hence, the word of God tells us that a proud man is an abomination before God (proverb 16:5). Friends in Christ, let us perform our tasks with humility, let us in humility be dependent on the Providence and protection of God and we shall not be put to shame. St. Vincent Ferrer recommends to us: “Once humility is acquired, charity will come to life, like a burning flame, devouring the corruption of vice and filling the heart so full, that there is no place for vanity”.

The theme of humility strolls into the Gospel reading of today. We are told that Jesus on the Sabbath day had gone for a meal at the home of a leading Pharisee and while they watched him closely, he observed how they occupy places of honour, hence, he told them a parable. Of how embarrassing it can be to give up your seat in the place of honour, to a lower place when a distinguished guest more important than you arrives. Jesus so recommends, when you are a guest, kindly take your seat at the lower place, and let the host who invited you humbly move you higher to the place of honour (LK 14:10). Friends in Christ, pride we are told comes before the fall. It is the master sin of the devil, and the devil is the father of lies. Pride is a spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love or contentment or even common sense. Pride breeds egoism and arrogance. It makes one think highly of himself other than others. Remember, the word of God tells us that everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted (Lk 14:11)

Beloved in Christ, in the context of this liturgy, the Holy Mother Chruch presents Jesus to us as the model of humility per excellent. “Though, he was in the form of God, Jesus did not count equality with God, a thing to be grasped. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even death on a cross (Phil 2:6-8). In the Gospel of John, Jesus said: “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and rightly, so I am. If I, then, your Lord and Master have washed your feet, you must wash each other's feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you” (John 13:13-15). Jesus tells us: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Mt 11:29). Dearest brothers and sister in Christ, it a popularly said that if humility is the root of the tree, its nature must be seen in every branch, leaf and fruit. Thus, as Christians let us by imitating Jesus Christ, lead an examplary lives of humility in all our endeavours, towards God and towards our brothers and sisters.

Likewise, at the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we must learn to acknowledge our lowliness, and sincerely say: “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word word and I shall be healed”. 

Jesus did not conclude by simply correcting the guests but equally went ahead to reprimand the host as well. He said, when you give a dinner, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbours, lest they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. Rather, when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the cripple, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (LK 14:12-14).  Friends in Christ, God cares so much for the lowly and the rejected of the society. He provides for them and raises them up. The Psalmist tells us that God is the Father of the orphan, the defender of the widow, giver of home to the lonely and the poor, He is the bringer of freedom to the prisoners and generous rain upon the starved (Psalm 67:6-7). Hence, Christians must extend this act of love and humble service towards the lowly and the disadvantaged of the society. They must not be ostracized because of their social status. Friends in Christ, Humbly serving our brothers and sister in unselfish love, giving and not expecting anything in return are the characteristics of an authentic Christian. 

Let us pray that God may renew us at this eucharistic table with the bread of life, to strengthen us in love and help us to humbly serve him in our brothers and sisters. Amen

Happy Sunday to you!

Fr Remi osj