Homily for Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 28th August, 2022.

Readings: Sir. 3:17-20.28-29; Ps.68; Heb. 12:18-19.22-24; Luke 14:1.7-14

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

LEARN TO BE HUMBLE NOW BEFORE THE FORCES OF LIFE HUMBLES YOU

One of the virtues that is lacking in our societies today is humility, this virtue is really lacking in our society today because pride has become a way of life which most people wish to embrace. Hence we often hear people saying in a very proud way, do you know who I am? By the time I finish with you then you will fear me. We hear people taking all sorts of honorific titles whether merited or not, for they want to be addressed and recognized so gloriously at every public events.

This should not be our attitude or disposition, for Jesus in our Gospel passage today while addressing the Pharisees told us a parable about humility saying: When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment, you would have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.” In that way, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’

Here, we see the important of humility, we see how humility can help to elevate someone from nothingness to something great. While pride can bring down the mighty into nothingness. Little wonder we are advised in our first reading today saying: My son, be gentle in carrying out your business, and you will be better loved than a lavish giver. The greater you are, the more humble you should behave, and then you will find favour with the Lord; for great though the power of the Lord is, he accepts the homage of the humble. There is no cure for the proud man’s affliction, since an evil growth has taken root in him.

The truth is that, humility is not a way of glory, but a road of surrender that leads to passion and death of one’s self. It is a way of sacrifice, a service to others at the price of self- sacrifice. That is why many people do not want to be humble. Hence, we heard in our second reading today that we have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem where the millions of angels have gathered for the festival, with the whole Church in which everyone is a ‘first-born son’ and a citizen of heaven. So to be a citizen of heaven we must be humble just like Jesus.

Dear friends, we must learn to be humble now before the forces of life humbles us. Though it may seem so difficult to embrace the virtue of humility especially in our society today, but this virtue has a lot to offer us both as individuals or as a group. In fact, our world is in need of humble men and women, because a good society is built on all kinds of commendable virtues such as humility. Humble leaders are modest about their success, and make it known to everyone that their failures don’t define them. Humility is a grace that attracts more grace. For pride closes the door to spiritual growth, but humility opens the door of our lives more to God's grace. To the humble, God gives patience, and peace, and gentleness.

A humble person is teachable, Influenceable, willing to accept corrections without defending his or herself, a humble person rejoices when others are celebrated, no position can be too small for a humble person. A humble person don’t always have to be right, but naturally seek the advice of others. A humble person easily admits his own mistakes, and failures and wishes to help others succeed. A humble person has a grateful attitude and not easily offered. He or she can be quick to forgive and not hold grudges nor having a sense of entitlement from someone, rather he or she is confident and content with what he or she has

Therefore, it is time for us to put off our old self which is led by pride, arrogance, conceit, pomposity. For pride as we know is the first capital sin that destroys every other virtues. Hence, we have to put on a new person born of humility, love, compassion, contentment, purity, forgiveness etc. So let us work heard to add more virtues in our activities and behaviour for blessed are those who are virtuous for they easily solve their problems and the fruit of the virtues grow in the soil of humility. Thus, why not try humility in solving those difficult and challenging moments in your life. Just try to be humble because it works like miracle.

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we have often failed to follow the example of Christ’s humility which he has taught us. As we are reminded once again the need to be humble, give us the grace to truly be humble at any level we find ourselves, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a fruitful Sunday celebration.