HUMILITY IN SACRIFICES - 02/21/23 (Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time)

Mark 9:33–35

And they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they were silent; for on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest.  And he sat down and called the Twelve and he said to them, “If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022123.cfm

Blessed Tuesday! Tomorrow, we will officially begin the Lent season, and the gospel reading today gives us a good preparation for it. In today's gospel reading, Jesus spoke again of the sufferings and death that He would endure together with His resurrection. Unfortunately, the disciples did not understand again what our Lord was telling them, but they were silent. Why was it that they were unable to accept the sufferings that our Lord would endure? One reason was because they still lacked humility. This is seen as we look on the passage above. The disciples were discussing among themselves as to who was the greatest among them. The disciples of Christ were still attracted to the worldly idea of greatness such as basing it on achievements, riches and honors. To teach them about humility, Jesus told them that anyone who desired to be first should be the last and the servant of all. It's important to be humble because without humility, we will be unable to do the will of God and bear our own crosses. 

As seen in the gospel reading, the disciples were unable to comprehend the mystery and the importance of the sufferings of Christ because they themselves, at that time, did not want to bear sufferings. When we focus on achievements as our goal in life, all that we desire is to get them and to hate the things that we think are "obstacles" to such achievements. Also, if we think highly of ourselves when it comes to worldly things, it will be more difficult to be dependent on God. Though some may not yet see the negative consequences of it if they are getting what they want, but when trials and temptations come, they may realize how easy it is to fall and to be distressed. Rather, because of God's mercy, He is calling us to be humble like little children, to take and accept our identity as the children of God. To practice this humility, we should make the glory of God and our salvation our goal. Though there is nothing wrong in being diligent in doing our work, this should be understood as our way of glorifying God, not ourselves. As we approach the Lent and Ash Wednesday tomorrow, it's good to also practice small sacrifices such as abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday of the Lent. We should also practice fasting on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday, except for those who are elderly and who need more assistance with their health. It's also the time to reflect on the things we can give up such as some time on social media, on TV or other things which can be replaced by prayer such as rosary, Adoration, Bible Reading, examination of conscience, and many more. These sacrifices will help us to be more prepared, especially when we experience more difficulties in life. In this way, by the grace of God, we can carry our crosses and imitate the way of Christ in our own life. It may be difficult at the beginning, but with humility, we can do all things because of Jesus who strengthens 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

Fasting and Abstinence during Lent:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56337/fasting-and-abstinence-during-lent

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

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

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