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August 26, 2022Reflection for 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 28, 2022
(Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29): In this interesting passage, the virtue of humility is presented as a uniquely respectable interpersonal wisdom. In biblical times, humility wasn’t only an outlook, but a code of behavior. Humility entails respect for all others and treating them as equals, with respect for the dignity of all. An added element of humility is honesty about both one’s talents and social status, as well as one’s weaknesses and limitations. The advice about not “reaching” for “things too sublime for you,” or “beyond your strength,” isn’t to stifle self-improvement, but to avoid needless stress and frustration. The remarks about listening attentively and that sage (wise) individuals appreciate proverbs both suggest the profound truth that we learn so much more when we’re silent!
(Psalm 68: “God, in Your goodness, You have made a home for the poor.”): At first glance, this psalm can be seen as celebrating our God’s care for the poor and the disadvantaged. Note that God is referred to as “the Father of orphans and the defender of widows,” two of the biblical world’s most disempowered groups. Even the psalm response suggests God’s concern for the lowly, in making a home for them; both on earth and in Heaven!
That “the just rejoice and exult before God” is not surprising. In our world, with so many in it who are unjust and greedy, God’s justice, fairness, generosity and mercy are truly something to celebrate. Contemplate that our own dear Savior, Jesus is the King of Mercy and Love! This proclaims His humility and mildness. The gentleness of Jesus and His tenderness for children and the poor are also irrefutable evidence of our Lord’s humility, which surpasses all understanding.
(Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a): In this passage, Paul begins by reminding the disciples that Jesus has been amazingly humble. Though He is God, worthy of all worship and adoration, Jesus chose to have a personal relationship with us… on our level! In his obscure words about the mysteries of God that are beyond our comprehension, Paul underscores how God, with extravagant love, ordained Jesus’ Incarnation as a man, so that we might know Jesus, not be afraid of Him, and be saved! Our God, Who could choose to manifest His power and status and glory in fear-inspiring impersonal ways, has chosen to come as a baby who grew up with us and lived among us.
Such divine humility! How can we even begin to comprehend it, much less live it out, as we’ve been called to do, in imitation of our Blessed Lord! Jesus gave us the Sacraments so that we can take part in God’s divine nature and be raised up!
(Luke 14:1, 7-14): To complete our reflection on humility, we have Jesus’ own prescription for how to act humbly and behave socially with wise humility, grace and a blessed reserve. Jesus’ parable is gentle, but it also hits its mark, (the Pharisees), hard; like a velvet harpoon! Jesus has a bold way of “telling it like it is,” or “calling them as He sees them.” The humble and the just welcomed Jesus’ candor and honesty. In contrast, were those who thought they had a lot to lose, in the form of power, social status or worldly wealth, if they followed the “Christian Way.” They refused to accept Jesus new prescription for reaching Heaven, or perhaps in the blindness of their arrogance, they weren’t able to comprehend such radical ideas. Selfishness and greed can blind one’s soul to goodness. Lord, heal us and make us see!
Deacon Matt
