Called to be Humble of Heart

Saturday, 20th Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings:  Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11 & Matthew 23: 1 – 12

Reflection Date: August 21, 2021

In the ministry of Jesus, which was oriented to all walks of life, there were many Jews who liked the teachings of Jesus and followed Him wherever He went.  They were also healed and cured by Jesus.  But then, there were many Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees who found it difficult to accept Jesus as a good religious leader, more so as the promised Messiah.  

In today’s gospel, we see that Jesus got upset with the scribes and Pharisees for their pomp and external show of pride and honor that they always longed for in their lives.  In their misguided zeal for religion, they sought respect and honor for themselves rather than for God and for His Word.  They made the practice of their faith a burden rather than a joy for the people they were supposed to serve.  True respect for God and His ways inclines us to godly humility and simplicity of heart.  The word disciple means one who listens in order to learn.  

Jesus shows us the way to the Father – the way of peace, joy, righteousness, holiness, and true happiness.  He showed us the way by lowering Himself as a servant for our sake. A question may arise in our mind as to what is true Christ-like humility?

Well, first of all humility is the queen of all the virtues.  Moreover, humility is healthy self-knowledge, where I realize how unworthy I am and yet precious in the eyes of God.  The humble do not trust in themselves, but they trust in God and the power of His love and saving grace.  True humility is based on a servant-like quality that enables one to place one’s life at the service of God and others.  

Let us reflect on the JOY of Christ-like humility and simplicity of heart.  Let us become persons of the humility of the heart of Jesus.

Joseph Cardozo SJ | Contributor