Thirtieth Saturday of Ordinary Time

“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 lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’”

Humility is an important virtue for all of us to cultivate throughout our lives. We are constantly tempted to commit acts of pride, such as seeking to be recognized for the good we’ve done, bragging about our successes, etc. However, this is not what we are called to do. Jesus gives us a better way: the little way of humility. When we act out of meekness, rather than boasting, we imitate Christ’s model of spiritual modesty. This may be difficult for most of us to do, but it is necessary if we want to share in Jesus’ life. So the next time we are tempted to seek honor, let us remember that the honor of this world is nothing but chaff before God.

Do we continually cultivate a spirit of humbleness? What are we prideful about? How can we teach ourselves to be meek when confronted with these temptations?

O Lord, may we learn to be meek and mild, especially when confronted with the temptation to be prideful.

Amen.