A truly great person is humble.
22nd Week in Ordinary Time: Sunday 1st September 2019
Sir 3:19-21,30-31; Ps. 68(67):4-5,6-7,10-11;
Heb. 12:18-19,22-24a; Lk. 14:1.7-14 (Ps Wk II)
Pride is an expression of fear and insecurity. Those who are not comfortable with themselves create a lie or illusion for an identity, and they believe in it. An arrogant and proud person can make many people miserable and unhappy.
Sirach tells us that a truly great person is humble. Humility is being comfortable with yourself and grateful to God for the gift that you are. When we are truly humble, we no longer have to pretend to be someone else.
Hebrews assures us that we do not have to be afraid to approach God — God is not frightening or threatening. Believers are welcomed into the city of the Living God and the Heavenly Jerusalem, and there is no fear but only joy.
Jesus has similar warnings about pride. Pushing for the best places at a banquet can have an embarrassing end — those who exalt themselves will be deflated and brought low. Be comfortable with the lower place — who knows, maybe you will be asked to come higher? And when you have a feast, don’t invite those who can pay you back or benefit you. Invite those who never get invitations — the so-called ‘losers’ — you will make them very happy, and you will be great in the eyes of God.
Pride is mocking God by not accepting who you really are.
Lord, grant me a humble heart.
