Mal.1:14-2:2, 8-10; 1 Thess. 2:7-9, 13; Mt. 23:1-12
During today's Gospel Reading, [Mt. 23:1-12] we heard how Jesus denounced the scribes and the Pharisees. Jesus began by stating that the scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses' seat, this meaning that they had the authority to teach the Law. As such,
the people were required to obey the Law. Jesus was not attacking the Law but the scribes and the Pharisees who's teachings were not in harmony with their practice. They did not practice what they were preaching to the others.Jesus
continued to condemn the scribes and Pharisees for seeking the places of honour
at feasts and in the synagogues. Jesus finished His message by saying that the
greatest is the one who is the servant. Today, we reflect upon the powerful
words of Jesus where He teaches us a profound lesson about humility, a virtue
that has echoed through the ages, transcending religious and cultural
boundaries. This passage reminds us of the importance of recognizing our place
in the grand scheme of things and how embracing humility can transform our
lives.
In
this passage, Jesus begins by cautioning against seeking titles and positions
of honor, using the titles "Rabbi," "Father," and
"Instructor" as examples. He instructs us not to let such titles
define our worth or importance. Instead, Jesus directs us to acknowledge the
One true Teacher, the Father in heaven, and the ultimate Instructor, the
Messiah. This teaching is a call to acknowledge our dependency on God's wisdom
and guidance, recognizing that our knowledge and authority are derived from
Him.
The
Bible is filled with stories of individuals who demonstrated the virtue of
humility. Moses' journey to leadership
was marked by a series of events that demonstrated his humble nature. When God
first called Moses to lead the Israelites, he responded with doubt and a sense
of unworthiness. He questioned his own qualifications and initially resisted
the divine call.
In
Exodus 3, when God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, He said, "I am
sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt."
Moses replied, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the
Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). This response reveals his
humility and the recognition that he was not relying on his own abilities but
on God's guidance and strength.
As
Moses continued his mission, he consistently placed his trust in God and
acknowledged his own limitations. He faced numerous challenges, including
Pharaoh's stubbornness, the Israelites' complaints, and the difficulties of
leading a large and unruly group of people through the wilderness. Throughout
these trials, Moses maintained his humility, seeking God's wisdom and guidance
in every situation.
Moses'
life is a powerful example of how humility is not a sign of weakness but a
strength that allows God to work through us. His willingness to trust in God's
plan and to acknowledge his own limitations serves as an enduring lesson for
all of us.
We
find many prominent men becoming greater by expressing humility.
One
well-known incident from the life of Sir Isaac Newton that exemplifies his
humility relates to a dispute with a fellow scientist, Robert Hooke. Hooke, a
prominent scientist of the time, had criticized some of Newton's ideas,
particularly his work on optics.
Newton,
even though he was deeply passionate about his work and ideas, chose a humble
path to resolve the dispute. Instead of engaging in a public and heated
argument, he decided to withdraw from the controversy. He stopped presenting
his work and refrained from publishing further on the subject for a time.
Humility
is a gentle force that speaks volumes through silence. It's the art of
recognizing our own imperfections and vulnerabilities while showing respect for
the worth of others. True humility doesn't diminish our self-worth; rather, it
enhances it by fostering empathy and understanding. It allows us to embrace
diverse perspectives and find common ground, bridging divides. In humility, we
become open to learning, growth, and the beauty of human connections. Let us
remember that in the grand tapestry of life, the most vibrant colors are often
found in the humble threads of kindness, service, and acceptance.
Practicing
humility in our daily lives can lead to personal growth, stronger
relationships, and a more peaceful existence. Here are some tips to help you
incorporate humility into your everyday experiences:
Listen
actively: Pay close attention to what others are saying without interrupting or
formulating your response. Show genuine interest in their thoughts and
feelings.
Admit
mistakes: Embrace your fallibility and accept responsibility when you make a
mistake. It's a chance to learn and grow. Apologize if necessary.
Show
gratitude: Express appreciation for the kindness, support, and opportunities
you receive. Recognize that you didn't achieve everything solely through your
efforts.
Avoid
self-promotion: Let your actions and character speak for themselves rather than
boasting about your accomplishments or seeking constant validation.
Give
credit to others: Acknowledge the contributions and achievements of your
colleagues, friends, and family members. Celebrate their successes without
envy.
Humility,
as taught by Jesus, isn't a sign of weakness but a source of great strength. He
tells us that "the greatest among you will be your servant." This
paradoxical truth is evident in the life of Mother Teresa, who served the
poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta, embodying true greatness through
her humble service.
It's
a virtue that fosters empathy, understanding, and grace in our interactions
with the world. Practice humility, and you'll discover the true measure of
greatness in service, compassion, and the ability to learn from every soul you
meet.
Satish