With humility as this Sunday’s theme, I honestly want to skip preaching if possible as this is the hardest theme to preach which strikes deep in our souls and breaks our hearts. No one is worthy when it comes to preaching humility. At any given point in time, we are battling our own unspeakable demons and the most ferocious ever is pride, the root of all sins/vices. Table fellowship and divine reversal of fortune are so important for the evangelist St. Luke. For him, table talk (big or small) is a serious religious, social and economic event. It is a teachable moment and not only a time to share meals. The Eucharistic liturgy was founded on the last supper of Jesus in the dining table where the Mass, the highest form of worship was instituted with the words, “Do this in memory of me”. Similarly, the setting of the gospel is a banquet hosted in the home of a leading Pharisee. Jesus was there and that people observed him carefully. Not fun at all but it mattered less. Everyone kept an eye on him which truth be told, was annoying at least on my end. A banquet often described as a preview and glimpse of the promised kingdom and communion with God is a gracious and joyful event and should never be an occasion for disruption although making scenes happen all the time. Christians may be anti-viral but never anti-social. People were probably making side comments about him. It is very uncomfortable if all eyes are on you in such an occasion unless of course you don’t mind the limelight. People watch your every move.
Anyway, Jesus gave a lesson for guests and hosts. He started with the guests by letting them know, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in a place of honor, lest the host be forced to give your choice seat to a more distinguished guest and with embarrassment ask you to go the lowest place”. Your seat in a banquet is indicative of your degree, class, and honor. Every guest love to be in a place of honor as much as possible right next to the host, preferably front row seat near the stage in any formal dinner except for those who will have a gracious exit. While everyone is looking for the best and nicest location, do the exact opposite. Can you believe if you happen to be seated comfortably at the head table with the VIP’s and sipping aged red wine even before the party begins, the host shows up, comes to you and whispers in your ears, I’m sorry my friend but your seat is reserved for someone else. I don’t know how you ended up here, but I will have to move you. Your assigned seat is at the furthest end of the hall. You can proceed now. By the way, upon checking the guest list, your name didn’t appear. You insist and who knows what’s next. I’m exaggeration but you know the point. Rather, Jesus said, “When you are invited, go take the lowest place so that you may be invited to occupy a higher position and enjoy the esteem or honor by others”. Reverse the trend, however unpopular. Go against the current. Don’t feel you’re the most important person in the room. Humility is based on self-knowledge. You must know your strengths and weaknesses and limits. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled (by God) but the one who humbles himself will be exalted (by God)”.
The second instruction is directed to the host. He said, “When you host a lunch or dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment”. Inviting those closest to you exists deep in our culture with preexisting conditions. We expect something in return as a courtesy. If someone takes you out for lunch or dinner in a fancy restaurant, unless you are a free loader, you are expected to reciprocate the kindness and generosity in almost the same way. If not, at least apologize. With God’s guest list, invite no one who might return the favor. As a host, expect nothing in return with no strings attached in the name of friendship with God. Luke stressed God’s preferred guest list: the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. In short, these are the people who cannot repay you back. God will repay you at the resurrection of the righteous from the dead. That’s for sure.
Pope Francis in his apostolic letter ‘Desiderio Desideravi’ reminds us that our participation in the Liturgy should lead us towards humility in heart and soul. It is not an opportunity to boast our spiritual and religious accomplishments. The introductory rite of the Mass which includes the Penitential Rite is a humbling act before God. We don’t blow our horns in the presence of God. The Sunday Eucharist is “the foundation of communion, the centre of the life of the community”. He stressed the flow from Celebration, Evangelization and Encounter. Finally, this quotation is lovely, “The liturgy takes us by the hand, together as an assembly, to lead us deep within the mystery that the Word and the sacramental signs reveal to us”.
The first reading from the book of Sirach reminds us about humility, “My child, conduct your affairs with humility”. Humble yourself. Don’t be so full of yourself. Refrain from self-exaltation and promotion in any fashion even if the whole world does. Anyone convinced that he/she is the best and smartest person in any given situation is the loneliest in the world. Everyone loves to be called GOAT (greatest of all time) and to be included in the hall of fame but end up in the wall of shame. Humble and friendly people are more loved, well received and appreciated more than the mean-spirited and the attention seeker who always talks about himself/herself. Such an individual needs a lot of recognition and affirmation. God knows what we do. There isn’t much need to broadcast them. “And you will be loved more than a giver of good gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God”.
Let me include St. Benedict’s 12 step and guide to humility which will be helpful in our reflection as well. Although this was designed and written for monks who follow a strict discipline and lifestyle, we can apply many if not all in our daily routine. 1. Fear of God. 2. Self-Denial. 3. Obedience 4. Perseverance 5. Repentance 6. Serenity 7. Self-Abasement 8. Prudence 9. Silence 10. Dignity 11. Discretion (If you must speak, do so gently, humbly, earnestly, and quietly with few and sensible words. A wise person is known by silence and choice of words 12. Reverence.
Let me end by excerpt from the Confessions of St. Augustine of Hippo about humility “For great are you, Lord, and you look kindly on what is humble, but the lofty minded you regard from afar. Only to those whose hearts are crushed do you draw close. You will not let yourself be found by the proud, nor even by those who in their inquisitive skill count stars or grains of sand, or measure the expanses of Heaven, or trace the paths of the planets”. Amen.
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