LEARNING HUMILITY FROM THE AUTHORITY - 11/28/22 (Monday of the First Week of Advent)

Matthew 8:8–9

“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112822.cfm

Blessed Monday! It's interesting to note that in the gospel reading for today, we learn to practice humility from the example of someone with a high authority. As mentioned by the Centurion, he also had soldiers who were subjected to him. Besides this, let's also remember that our model for humility is Jesus Christ, our God who chose to be born like one of us and to offer Himself on the cross for our salvation. There are at least two things we can learn from them when it comes to humility. First, humility should enable us to serve other people. When Jesus said that He would cure the servant of the centurion, He did not say this just as a Divine healer, but He also said this as a Servant. Jesus humbled Himself by serving us out of love for us despite our imperfections and sins. When we recognize the many gifts and blessings that God gives us, may we discern on how we can use them to help our family, friends, the poor and other people as well. 

Second, to be humble means that we listen to authority. As recounted by the Centurion, soldiers were subjected to him that they were following his orders. And yet, he also displayed true humility because he submitted everything to what Jesus desired for him and for his servant. The centurion knew that it was truly proper to follow the words of Jesus. Even Jesus Christ obeyed the will of the Father, and He's always united with the Father and the Holy Spirit in everything He did on earth. Let's seek to follow God's commandments and His will for us. A truly humble person doesn't just see his or her sins, but he or she depends on God even more after recognizing such unworthiness. When we discover our faults, let's not be angry at ourselves, but we should always trust the mercy of God. At the same time, if someone who has authority over us tells us to do something, provided that it does not lead us to sin, let's accept it and do it with gentleness out of love for God and for them. By imitating the humility of Jesus Christ, we reflect the light of our Savior which shines upon us. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/