REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I 4TH NOVEMBER 2023

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I 4TH NOVEMBER 2023

Rom.11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29; Ps.94; Luke 14:1, 7-11

Have a humble opinion of yourself

Jesus watched with displeasure how people who came to dine in the ruler’s house were sitting in places of honour and he told them a parable. The parable was aimed at teaching us to have humble opinions about ourselves and desist from underrating others in our minds and attitudes. Those who were invited to the marriage feast and took for themselves places of honour, are first and foremost, honourable themselves. They dared to take the places of honour because they presumed that if at all other honourables were invited, they were the most honourable. Their action was influenced by the feeling that they are the best amongst others and so whatever is the best is rightfully theirs.

This is a common temptation for persons who are exceptional in one area of life or the other. The moment it gets into our heads that we are the best, we feel entitled to the best and feel offended or unjustly treated when what we consider the best is given to others and we are left out. It may be that scholarships were given out in the Church and someone feels that his or her children are entitled to the award since he/she is a foundation member of the Church.

Beloved, it is good to acknowledge what gift God has blessed you with and fan the gift to the greatest height possible. But never let it make you feel that you are better than others. It may truly be that you are better than others, but let God be your judge; don’t do it yourself.

For us to maintain a humble opinion of ourselves in spite of how great or gifted we may be, we need to constantly remind ourselves that all that we are and have is by the grace of God. See, you cannot exalt yourself to the level that God would have exalted you; neither can you reward yourself more than how God can reward you. So, go about your duties selflessly and as quiet as possible; your God who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. Bear in mind that the best reward you need is not public acclamation but eternal life which only God has the capacity to give.