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Sunday, September 2, 2001

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22nd Sunday Ordinary Time


Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24
Psalm 68:4-7, 10-11
Luke 14:1, 7-14

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the most humble

"He who humbles himself shall be exalted." —Luke 14:11

"Conduct your affairs with humility" (Sir 3:17). "Humble yourself the more, the greater you are" (Sir 3:18). We who are disciples of Jesus and have been baptized into Jesus are called to be the most humble of all people, for Jesus "emptied Himself" and became a human being (Phil 2:7). Then He "humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!" (Phil 2:8) Therefore, "in your relations with one another, clothe yourselves with humility, because God 'is stern with the arrogant but to the humble He shows kindness' " (1 Pt 5:5).

Jesus invites us: "Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart" (Mt 11:29). Jesus has taught us that we humble ourselves when we take the lowest place (Lk 14:10). Jesus did this by being born in Bethlehem; growing up in Nazareth; becoming a carpenter; choosing to be poor (see 2 Cor 8:9), persecuted, even a slave (Phil 2:7); choosing apostles and disciples who were "lowborn and despised" by the world (1 Cor 1:28); washing the feet of His apostles (Jn 13:5); freely letting Himself suffer crucifixion, the most disgraceful way to die; and remaining with us under the appearance of bread and wine.

Jesus humbled Himself to the extreme. He was then highly exalted and given "the name above every other name" (Phil 2:9). In the name of Jesus, humble yourself to the extreme.

Prayer:  Father, I have been baptized into Jesus and into His humility. May I live accordingly.

Promise:  "A bountiful rain You showered down, O God, upon Your inheritance; You restored the land when it languished." —Ps 68:10

Praise:  Praise Jesus, humbled, crucified, risen, and glorified! It was impossible for death to keep its hold on You (Acts 2:24). You are sovereign, majestic, and omnipotent Lord and God. I worship You forever!

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, February 13, 2001


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 20, 2001