THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Embracing Humility

All the readings today have a common link in describing how God’s word can be distorted when humans impose their own views.  In today’s gospel we hear of the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees and Jesus’ message on the importance of humility.  So, what does it mean to be humble, and how do we practice humility? 

Humility, as defined by the glossary of the Catechism, is: “The virtue by which a Christian acknowledges that God is the author of all good. Humility avoids inordinate ambition or pride and provides the foundation for turning to God in prayer. Voluntary humility can be described as ‘poverty of spirit.'”

Prayer itself is a path to humility, both in asking God to help us grow in humility as well as in acknowledging that we need help, and that God is the source of all we need. The Litany of Humility by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val y Zulueta is a prayer that challenges us to really think about what it means to be humble – it starts, “O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Hear me. From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, O Jesus … .”

There are also many examples in the lives of the saints, apostles and, of course, in the life of Jesus.  In this month that starts with All Saints Day, spending time reading their stories can be another guide for us on achieving humility. 

We can also work on practicing humility through our everyday actions.  Consider that the struggles we face each day could be God’s way of giving us opportunities to embrace humility. The reminder that in most cases our struggles are insignificant compared to what others may be facing, while sometimes hard to accept, helps us practice humility.  Thinking of others first and reserving our judgements for ourselves and our own faults can enable us to grow in humility.

Through prayer, study, and practice, we can all work towards fulfilling Jesus’ guidance of “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

--Chris Hart

Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.