The Word: "… but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28)
Mystery of the day: Glorious
Table of the Word: I R.:Jeremiah 18:18-20
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 31:5-6.14.15-16 (R. see 17b)
Verse before the Gospel: John 8:12
Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28
Theme: Humility
Inspiration: Humility is one of the marks of every Christian, as Christ Himself is being described as “Icon of humility” through His self-emptiness. The Scripture presented this great virtue as the practice of meekness, obedience to God, self-respect and respect for one another, submissiveness and modesty (cf. Col. 3:12-13). One of the outstanding attributes of a humble man is putting others’ need before his that is sacrificing his comfort in favour of others. This virtue requires courage, discipline and faith, it is an important asset for every Christ’s follower. Every human is expected to be humble; but if you fail to do so, life-event will certainly humble you.
God desires this virtue from us that is why Prophet Isaiah reechoes the mind of God saying: “This is the one to whom I will look, to the humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at my Word.” (Is.66:2). We are invited in a very special way to imitate the humility of little children so as to inherit the Kingdom of God. (cf. Matt. 18:4). As Christ followers, there is need to imitate the humility of Jesus who emptied Himself of His Royalty so that we might become Kings and Queens.
However, taking account of our Lord’s
earthly life history into consideration, we can richly understand what it means
to be humble, beginning from His crib to grave.
He stripped Himself of Heavenly
glory by accepting lowly state of life so that we can become famous. He had
nothing per se but He was a great
provider who fed thousands at different occasions.
Finally, as we keep on pushing with the Church this season of reconciliation let us wrap ourselves with humility in the course of discharging our duties, in our conversation and relationship with one another. As St. Peter in his first letter says: “In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” He concluded by saying: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in time.”(I Peter 5: 5-6). Peace be with you!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“…it takes great humility to find oneself unjustly condemned and be silent, and to do this is to imitate the Lord who set us free from all sins.”
- St. Teresa of Avila
Let us pray
Bestow upon us, Lord, abundance of grace and protection; grant health of mind and body; grant fullness of fraternal charity, and make them always devoted to you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
© ARCHIVE 19032025
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