Humility is Important to God
Aug
29
Written by:
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Humility is Important to God
Pastor’s Column
22rd Sunday Ordinary Time
August 29, 2010
My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.”
Sirach 3:17-18
This Sunday’s gospel (Luke 14:1,7-14) finds Jesus at a Sabbath dinner party. This must have been somewhat uncomfortable for him, because it seems that everyone there was watching him closely and judging him negatively! But, guess what? Jesus was watching them too. The Lord observes all our actions and hidden motives of the heart. Here we find a group of “religious leaders” lacking in humility! They were trying to impress each other, vying for the top seats at the banquet and posturing to improve their social standing. These people thought that they knew and observed the scriptures, but, like many of us, they needed an education in what really matters most to God.
Am I a person of humility? Humility is so important to God! Think for a moment about who Jesus Christ was, the creator of the universe, becoming a human being for our sake. Now that’s humility! He wants to give us a place in the heavens as eternal beings and call us “children of God” with all that implies, but first we must begin our eternal journey as fragile, vulnerable creatures who age and die and live in this mortal world. This is to teach us humility before we move in with God!
How can I tell if I am a person of patience and humility? How I react in situations like these will tell me if I lack humility!
· When I do something nice and am criticized for it.
· When I give a gift that I am not thanked for or is unappreciated.
· When I am passed over for a promotion or job when I believe myself more qualified.
· When my opinion is not valued, asked for or is criticized or belittled.
· When I am not invited to something I was expecting to be.
· When I am ignored by someone (no phone calls returned or emails answered).
· When my service at church or my family contributions are overlooked.
· Am I overly demanding or unbearable when I am sick?
· Do I dominate every conversation I am in?
· Do I interrupt or can’t wait for the other person to take a breath so I can speak?
· Are my words about others up-building or overly critical? (A sure sign of pride!)
· How do I react when I am mega-inconvenienced? For example…
o A big freeway tie up or road construction
o A slow clerk at the store, bank or DMV
o When I lose my luggage!
You, of course can come up with your own list. God will permit us to experience many situations like these, precisely so we can grow in patience and humility. Once we realize we are in the life-long school of patience and humility and that Our Lord is the teacher, it makes it much easier to pass these tests!
Father Gary