31st Sunday of the Year (A)

(Edited) Sunday Reflection: 31st Sunday of the Year (A) - October 30, 2011

Liturgical readings

Malachi 1:14b - 2:2b, 8-10
Psalm 131
1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13
Matthew 23:1-12

"Whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."

Chapter 23 of the gospel of Matthew describes Jesus being at loggerheads with the scribes and the Pharisees of His time. Verses 1-12 describes how He rebutts the Pharisees' hypocrisy and vanity; verses 13-32 describes how He spoke of a sevenfold indictment against them; and in verses 33-36 He opens their eyes to their crimes - warning them of an impending punishment. Jesus came into conflict with the scribes and Pharisees of His time, because He wanted to teach His people the virtue of humility - an advocacy He exemplified very well during His entire earthly life.

How is the virtue of humility extolled along the centuries of the Christian faith? In a 14th century work, "The Imitation of Christ", there is a passage on the subject of humility:
"You must not be interested in acquiring 'the shadow of a mighty name', or gathering a wide circle of acquaintances, or winning personal affection, for these things may distract you and lead you to darkness of heart. Show yourself humble in all things."
We will realize the truth of this classic counsel only when one actually experiences that darkness of heart caused by any sin against the counsel taught above.

Humility is a difficult virtue to practice. It is difficult especially when one relies too much on individual strengths and intelligence. But the practice of humility becomes easier when the source of strength is from God in prayer and work (Benedictine 'ora et labora'), silence, solitude and reflection. It is also easier when in a time of need, one asks help from others. To humble oneself before God and our neighbor is an opportunity to know, love and serve the Lord better, and to realize how He wants each of those who follow Him to know that everything good in oneself and in others comes from a merciful and just Father in heaven.