HUMILITY OF CHRIST - 11/05/23 (Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time)

From the Gospel according to Matthew

Mt 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,

"The scribes and the Pharisees

have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,

but do not follow their example.

For they preach but they do not practice.

They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry

and lay them on people's shoulders,

but they will not lift a finger to move them.

All their works are performed to be seen.

They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,

greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'

As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'

You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

Call no one on earth your father;

you have but one Father in heaven.

Do not be called 'Master';

you have but one master, the Christ.

The greatest among you must be your servant.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;

but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

REFLECTION: 

Many protestants object to the fact that we call the priests “Father”. They usually use this one verse from the Gospel today to reprimand us, “Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.” Those who do not know the spirit of the Word will not know what this means. We sometimes refer to our dads, as our “father”. Does it mean that it is a sin to do so? What does Christ truly mean in the readings today? 

Christ warned His followers about the Pharisees and scribes who were looked up to as the religious leaders of their time. Ironically, as people tasked to teach the law with the intention of bringing them closer to God, they make the journey more difficult for people. So much so that some of them almost lose their way to God. This happens when any leader of any community is full of pride and selfishness. When a leader thinks only of himself, his own self-seeking ideas are pushed through, not those for the sake of the community. It is sad that it has been happening even until now. This is why Christ teaches us how to be true leaders in any community or endeavor we are in. 

To be a leader like Christ, we need to be humble. Being humble means that we do not think highly of ourselves, nor do we think that we are better than others. The mindset of a humble leader is that he is tasked to serve the many people entrusted to him. It is in actuality, the image of the Good Shepherd. Christ rules us not by force or fear, but by love. He journeys with us amidst our woundedness and pain. He lowers Himself constantly in our weaknesses and understands us. He takes us by the hand, so we can be lifted up to His goodness and holiness. This is what happens whenever we receive the sacraments, especially confession, and the Holy Eucharist. 

As our King, Christ lowered Himself to us as true God and true Man, even to the form of the tiny white bread to be consumed by us sinners. How many of us realize that it takes a great deal of humility for God to do this? Indeed, God is the humblest so we must also imitate Him to be His true children in word and in deed. So, we must also do to others and serve them. For in His eyes, we are all God’s beloved, His children. We are all equal in God’s eyes. It is through our genuine love and care for others who are poor, outcasts, and rejected by society that they can feel God’s love for them. May we learn how to use our resources, gifts, and talents to serve Christ in the poor. This is the way to our greatest reward – to be with Christ in Heaven.

- FMMJ

Source:

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-of-the-day.html

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. +  

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