ST CHARLES BORROMEO (Memorial) White

He was born to a wealthy and noble family. He was an archbishop and suffered a speech impediment. He fought tirelessly for peace during the storm of Martin Luther’s reformation. He founded schools for the poor, built hospitals, and established seminaries. He worked tirelessly for the sick. He was canonised by Pope Paul V in 1610.   

First Reading: Rom 11:1-2a. 11-12. 25-29; Psalm: 94. R. v. 14a; Gospel: Lk 14:1. 7-11

STAY HUMBLE

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 14:11)

When Jesus was invited to dine in the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees; they watched him closely as usual. But Jesus observed how these men flaunted their presence by taking the best seats; so he seized that opportunity to bring their ostentatious lifestyle to their faces. With a parable, Jesus berated them to learn how to be unassuming; for no one is too important not to be brought low.

We should never think we are too important or indispensable. Whatever position we feel we could occupy or handle due to our status; could be occupied or handled better by another. Being in a leadership position does not make others less important or less deserving. Most times, those we lead could outdo us in so many things. So, to be out of the spotlight does not translate to mediocrity. There is always some pride in all of us especially when we are acknowledged to be very good in doing a job so well. But true humility is tested in moments like this. Jesus warns us today that no matter how important we are, we should learn to be self-effacing.

We learn humility when we accept the fact that no matter how knowledgeable we feel we are in life; we still know very little compared with the sum total of knowledge. We do not know or have it all. There will always be people who know better than we do. If we thought we are rich; someone is there who is richer. If we thought we are very intelligent? There are more intelligent people. The degree of whatever we possess does not exhaust the totality of that possession. So, learn to stay humble. God looks down on those who look down on others. No matter what we have achieved, we can choose to be humble. With growth humility is tested.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, teach us to imitate your humble spirit. Amen.