Ecclesiastes 3:19-21, 30-31; Psalms 67 (68);
Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24; Luke 14:1, 7-14
What is Humility?
Dear friends, the theme of choice for today’s readings is “humility.” What is our understanding of humility, and why is it very difficult to embrace? The internet dictionary defines humility as a “modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, etc.”
While the Scriptures champion humility for all, especially those in ranking positions, the wealthy, and the mighty, the world elevates them. This makes everyone desire to climb the ladder of honour at all costs, even if it means trampling over others on the way up. The passage from the book of Ecclesiasticus tells us, “the greater you are, the more humbly you should behave.” How did you get to the position you are in today?
In the Gospel reading, Jesus observes how the guests are positioning themselves in places of honour. He uses the opportunity to teach them about humility. The same holds true in our society today. In some communities, especially in the African context, men take their positions and ranks very seriously. Being a man in itself is a ranking position. Even in the Church, sometimes we have disruptions during worship when important men arrive late. People, especially women and children, have to vacate their seats for them. The hierarchy of importance here starts with the wealthy at the top, followed by tribal chiefs and political kingpins, then other men in order of their age, and at the bottom, we have women and children. How is the hierarchy of importance in your immediate community?
In the first part of the Gospel passage, Jesus warns against assuming a position of honour in a ceremony without being accorded it by the host or the master of protocols. The risk is humiliation in case a higher-ranking guest comes and you are forced to vacate the place. Jesus is teaching us that in the kingdom of God, honour is not self-claimed but God-given. A Swahili refrain says, “Do not let your own mouth praise you.” All leadership positions are meant for the service of the led, and not vice versa. The worldly understanding of leadership as an opportunity to acquire honour, influence, and wealth makes people compete and fight for positions. Do you demonstrate service in your current position as a leader?
In the second part of the Gospel, Jesus observes the kinds of guests invited to the house of the Pharisee; most of them were fellow Pharisees. Jesus uses the opportunity to teach that when we extend our good deeds to those capable of reciprocating, it is not generosity but business. They reciprocate and therefore pay us back. Therefore, we should not wait for any reward from our Father in heaven. Generosity is demonstrated when we extend our kindness to people who have no means of reciprocating, namely the marginalized, the poor, the homeless, and those without positions. Who do you normally invite when you have a celebration at your home?
The desire to be paid back has also found its way into the ministers of the Gospel. Some like associating themselves with the wealthy and those in positions of influence in society. They often visit to bless the houses of the wealthy, celebrate the birthdays of the mighty, and eat meals in the homes of the rich so that they may get hefty stipends. The poor get scolded when they come late for service, and their houses are rarely blessed. The rich do not need to follow the laid-down protocol for services, but the poor struggle to get services even after fulfilling all the requirements. They have to make many trips to the office before they are served. Many times, they have their celebrations postponed, even after long preparations. Do you feel that your immediate political or religious leader is a servant to you?
In general, in society, the rich and high-ranking do not queue in public offices or even in traffic. The poor, on their part, have to adhere to all the rules, and even then, they may not get the services they depend on for their livelihood. Many die before their court cases are determined by the courts. All these kinds of disparities are what the readings today challenge us to change. In heaven, there will be neither ranks nor positions. “The first will be last and the last will be first” (Mt 20:16).
Dear friends, I invite you to reflect upon the virtue of humility and find out how much of it you lack. Let us seek not the honors of this perishable world but the eternal one in heaven. Remember what the true meaning of service is: the greater the position, the greater the responsibility to serve.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 