FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR THE 22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
THEME: VIRTUE OF HUMILITY
BY: Fr. Gerald Musa
HOMILY FOR SUNDAY AUGUST 28 2022
A writer, Kent Crokett recounts an interesting story on humility. He said,
‘A church realized the importance of humility, so it formed a committee to find the most humble person in the church. Many names were submitted and numerous candidates were evaluated. Finally, the committee came to a unanimous decision. They selected a quiet little man who always lived in the background and had never taken credit for anything he had done. They awarded him the “Most Humble” button for his faithful service. However, the next day they had to take it away from him because he pinned it (the award) on.’
Holy Scripture tells us ‘the greater you are, the more you should behave humbly’ (Ecclesiasticus 3:19-21). Paul was very much concerned about Christians whose lives were destroyed by pride and so he wrote to the early Christians at Philippi saying: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourself” (Philippians 2:3).
Symptoms of pride are very evident and these include:
Self-obsession and constantly setting oneself higher and above every other person
Destructive and bitter criticism of other people as well as getting into a habit of
fault finding.
Display of self-righteousness and a denial of one’s imperfections and weaknesses.
Dependence on personal will and rejection of God’s will. ‘Pride says to itself, “My will be done.” Humility says to God, “Thy will be done.”
Inordinate ambition and desire to grab power and wealth by hook or crook
Boasting about talents, achievements, and qualities (blowing our trumpets) without acknowledging God who is the giver of all we have and are.
Further, we can draw some inspiration from Mother Teresa’s humility list, some of which are:
7. Speak as little as possible about yourself.
8. Do not dwell on the fault of others
9. Be courteous
10. Accept insults and injuries
11. Choose the more difficult tasks
12. Do not seek to be admired or loved
Above all, let us imitate the life of Jesus who is humble and gentle of heart.
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22ND Sunday of the Year C/ Sirach 3:19-21, 30-31; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24; Luke 14:1, 7-14
