HOMILY FOR THE 22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
THEME: THE EXALTATION OF THE HUMBLE
BY: Fr Livinus C. Igbodekwe
HOMILY FOR SUNDAY AUGUST 28 2022
Proverbs 16:18 says that pride goes before destruction. And a haughty spirit before stumbling. This shows that a consistent life of pride will end up destroying a man. The way a man paddles through life is in his/her manners. It can also be called attitudes. If a man/woman doesn’t keep a careful watch over his/her attitudes it will be to his/her ruin. Proverbs 18:12, has this to say: “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.” When you live in a prideful manner you must know so. And if you want a change, you must seek humility. Humility is acquired by living by the opposite direction of pride. When humility is gained, honour is near. This is because honor sits well with humility in God’s Kingdom. Pride is opposed to His Kingdom. James 4:6 has this to confirm: “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south, but God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another. (Psalm 75:6-7)Heaven is a place of humility.
The Letter to the Hebrews which is our 2nd Reading, calls heaven, “Mount Zion” where EVERYONE is a firstborn Son. This becomes the title everyone bears no matter one’s state in life while on earth. Jesus at one time notified us that the greatest in heaven is the humblest (like a child). The First Reading encourages us to become humble even if we are of high regard or reputation, for that is the only way to find favorite with God.
Some Signs of Humility:
1. Honest Assessment: Socrates says that one’s ability to know that one is not wise enough is wisdom. Knowing that you are not the most intelligent, beautiful, wealthy, qualified, etc., is what makes you humble. Because one becomes proud by over blowing what he/she has. This has a way of over blowing your ego or self importance.
2. Unmeritedness: knowing that gifts are graces makes you humble. There is nothing you have, you did not receive. So instead of becoming proud, become grateful.
3. Identifying with the Lowly: There were some gentlemen who were looking for a job in a company. That early morning, each was hurrying to meet an interview appointment with the CEO. They didn’t pay any attention to the gateman who greeted each of them cheerfully, asking for their names. They snubbed him, except one who gave him his name, and the gateman gave his own name. When they all arrived at the office. They were told that the interview will be collective and written. A question was shared among them and were required to supply the answer. What was the question? “What is the name of the gateman?” Other guys were distressed by such question, and only one got it right. It happened that the gateman was the CEO of the company.
4. Counting Others First: in the Gospel today, Jesus teaches us to take the least position instead of the exalted position because the one who humbles himself will be exalted, and how pleasant will it be in the sight of other people. But the one who exalts himself will be humiliated, and how shameful will it be in the presence of other guests. Allow others to attach importance to you. Don’t do it yourself.
God loves humility. He is attracted to it. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, David, were humble in their affairs, and in due time, God exalted them.
Be humble!!!
Happy Sunday to you!