The readings for the 22nd Sunday in ordinary time teach us about humility and the true nature of greatness in the eyes of God. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded to be humble in our relationship with others. “The greater you are the more you must humble yourself”. This powerful statement challenges our natural inclinations, toward pride and ambition. In a world that often equals success with dominance and prestige, the wisdom of Sirach calls us to a different path, a path of humility. When we approach life with a humble heart, we invite grace into our lives and create a space for God to work through us.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus watches people scramble for the best seats at a banquet, and says when you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor, a more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say: “give your place to this man” and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the last seat. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place, so that when the host comes to you, he may say my friend moves up to a higher position, then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. This example is a glimpse in to how the kingdom of God works, it is about knowing who we are before God and how we relate to others not based on status but on grace. The first reading from Sirach echoes this beautifully, my child, conduct your affairs with humility and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more the greater you are and you will find favor with God. In other words, humility is not just a virtue for beginners in spiritual life. It is for the great, the wise, the powerful. The more responsibility and influence you have, the more humility you need. The responsorial psalm gives us a striking image of what that looks like in God’s eyes. God gives a home to the forsaken, he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. God does not look for those in the spotlight, he lifts up the ones no one notices. He finds the forgotten, he honors the lowly and he invites us to do the same.
Now let us be honest, humility is often misunderstood, some people think humility means being weak, quiet, passive or letting yourself be worked on. Others assume humility means denying your gifts or hiding your talents, talking yourself down or hiding in the background. But real humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. Humility is not putting yourself down, it is lifting others up. Humility is truth, it is seeing ourselves clearly, without exaggeration or shame. It is knowing that everything we are and everything we have are gift from God. Not just for us to keep to ourselves but to share with others. And there is tremendous power in humility, it builds, humility builds bridges, humility heals relationships, inviting others to cooperate with us, and leaves a space for divine grace to work in and through us. It allows us to grow because it opens us to learn. History and the bible provide numerous examples of individuals who are elevated through humility. Mosses, considered the humblest man on earth, was chosen by God to lead an entire nation, the nation of Israel. Mary the mother of God described herself as the handmade of the Lord, and she was exalted above all women. St Joseph did not say a single word in the bible but quietly protected the Holy family and is now venerated around the world. St Teresa of Lissu never traveled far, never preached to crowds and died young, yet she became a doctor of the Church. Nelson Mandela after 27 years in prison came out not with bitterness but with grace and humility led a nation to reconciliation. Humility may look like a low seat but in God’s banquet the lowest seat is often closest to God. Amen.