August 29, 2010
TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF THE CHURCH YEAR
29 AUGUST 2010, 5:15, 8:00, 10:00
READINGS: Sirach 3:7-18, 20, 28-29; Hebrews 12:18-19, 24a; Luke 14:1, 7-14
SAINT MARY PARISH, VIROQUA
Introduction: A guest in a wealthy man’s house, Jesus has some harsh words to say to his dining companions. Mostly, he talks about the virtue of humility.
1. The word humility comes from the Latin word humilis, which means “on the ground.” It derives from humus, meaning “earth.” So, to be humble means to be “grounded.” We know from the time of Adam that we are made of clay. However, that’s not to say that we are worth dirt! To be humble is not to think poorly of oneself; it is to think richly of everyone else. To be humble is to have the capacity for awe and wonder that is awakened when someone or something good passes before us. The proud person misses so much because he or she is always focused on oneself. The humble person is rewarded by witnessing the terrific skill of an athlete, the writing talents of an author, the compassion and skill of a teacher, a doctor or nurse. People have told me how surprised they are at the love their spouse has for them. To stand in awe of these gifts that reside in other people is to be full, to be happy!
2. And, once we are able to stand in awe of other people we can also stand in awe before their Creator. After all, he’s the one who gave them their marvelous gifts. Psalm 8 sings so well the marvels of God. “O Lord, how glorious is your name over all the earth. You have exalted your majesty above the heavens…When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place…O Lord, how glorious is your name over all the earth.” We may not see God face to face, yet we encounter him in his marvelous works; we witness his goodness in the virtue of his creatures; we open our lives to the mystery of his love for us in the Eucharist, a gift made possible by the death of his own Son. We are full of awe!
3. Remember, humility reminds us that we are earthy. But, that’s not a bad thing. Think of the good earth. It produces flowers, vegetables galore, beautiful towering white pines. How many species of animals intrigue and amaze us? Further, we should see what our own humble persons can produce. God has made fruit and produce to grow in the earthiness of our lives too. He does so for a purpose: so that we can share our gifts with the Church, our neighbor, the stranger. Unlike those who dined with him, we can stand in awe of the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind. We will not see these people as our inferiors. We share our gifts with them.
Conclusion: Truly humble people are full of awe. They have the vision to see the good things the Lord has wrought in this earth in their neighbor, in the poor and in themselves. And, they know that all good things come from God.