PHILIPPIANS 1:18-26; PSALM 42; LUKE 14:1, 7-11
HUMILITY
“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus told this parable in the Gospel when he saw how the people chose and dragged places of honor to a feast. To date, many people still drag places and positions of honor.
Again, some people have built their lives around particular seats and offices. We must work on ourselves. Is it not called Chairman? Without the chair, you are still a man. In today’s parable, Jesus is saying that whether you sit at the high table or the low table, be a humble person, and you shall be exalted above tables.
Again, the high table should not cause you to lose your sense of empathy for those around you. The low table should not drive you into low self-esteem or make you feel insecure. Be confident regardless of your position.
Paul adds in the first reading that if for you, to live is Christ, then you will live in such a way that Christ will in fact be magnified in the way you live. If, for you, to die is to gain, then the way you face death will show Christ to be great. Beloved, in all things, let us put Christ first.
St. Charles Borromeo, a noble family member and nephew of Pope Pius IV, was made a Cardinal at age 23 and later Archbishop of Milan. He played a crucial role in the 19th Ecumenical Council of Trent, reformed Catholic life, and offered himself as a victim for forgiveness of sins during a plague.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, you are meek and humble of heart. We pray for the grace to be meek and humble. Give us the wisdom to remain childlike, not childish.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
