Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

80th Anniversary of the Outbreak of World War II
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

Readings of the Day
RB: Prologue 1-7
Mass: Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Resp Ps 68; Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a; Lk 14:1, 7-14

Sing to God, chant praise to his name: whose name is the Lord.

In today's reading from the Book of Sirach, the author tells us front and center to conduct our affairs with humility. Furthermore, those that are greater by way of having more gifts, more opportunities, more privileges and the like should humble themselves all the more. In the Gospel, Jesus relates the parable of those invited to a wedding banquet. Jesus tells us to take the lowest place, not the place of honor, for "the one who humbles himself with be exalted."

What about humility and humbling oneself? Although I am not certain, as I have not hovered around the office coffee pot of late, it seems unlikely that conversation revolves around the topic of humility. On this first day of September we might take opportunity to discuss the virtue of humility with some friends or family members. Sadly, humility is "often associated with weakness of character, limited intelligence and immature behaviour." This is not humility though. The humble person is rather "strong in will, liberated in behavior, and mature in relationships: the humble … recognize their total dependence on God." (Cardinal Basil Hume: A Pilgrim's Search for God, p. 50). 

Our Catechism defines humility in this way: "The virtue by which a Christian acknowledges that God is the author of all good." Furthermore, "humility avoids inordinate ambition or pride, and provides the foundation for turning to God in prayer."

Michael Casey, OCSO, in A Guide to Living in Truth, writes this: "Humility is a beautiful quality to find in a person. It is a characteristic feature of those who have not forgotten their roots. The term humility is related to the word humus and points to a connectedness with the earth and, by extension, with all that inhabits the earthly sphere." By way of explanation, Fr Michael continues: "A first approach to understanding humility is to see it as that self-acceptance typical of untarnished humanity. Those who are humble experience no shame … They have overcome the tendency to regard others as competitors or rivals, and so they work with whatever they have and waste no time envying those who possess different qualities. The humble are equally content with both the gifts and limitations that come from their nature or personal history. Humility brings with it a fundamental happiness that is able to cope with external difficulties and sorrows."

So, what about humility and humbling oneself? How might we be more humble of heart at home, at work, in our relationships and in all encounters with others, especially those we might think should take the lowest place at the table? Jesus, help us to recognize our total dependence on you and to humble ourselves before you and before others. 

WHEN YOU HOLD A BANQUET, INVITE THE POOR, THE CRIPPLED, THE LAME, THE BLIND; BLESSED INDEED WILL YOU BE BECAUSE OF THEIR INABILITY TO REPAY YOU. FOR YOU WILL BE REPAID AT THE RESURRECTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.

(Lk 14:13-14)

Jesus' words emphasize completely different and opposing attitudes: the attitude of those who choose their own place and the attitude of those who allow God to assign it. The place that God gives us is close to his heart and his reward is eternal life.

(Pope Francis)

The fruit of humility is naturalness. Being at home with ourselves. Being ourselves.

(Michael Casey)

NB. Regarding prayer for the care of creation, Pope Francis had this to say in today's Angelus Address: "It is an ecumenical prayer, which raises the awareness and commitment to protect our common home, starting from a more sustainable personal and family lifestyle."