Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our scripture readings for today could not be more direct nor more timely. In an age where the norms seems to be “speak loudly and at length” regardless of one’s message, the thread uniting the message today is “humility.” And the definition of this humility is truth.
In the first reading, Sirach directs all to “conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” The reading continues with additional advice for those in positions of authority for the greater you are, the more humble you should be, and a sage listens to the wise. It isn’t helpful to listen solely to oneself!
Our Responsorial Psalm assures us that God has appointed a place for the poor. In today’s world it seems wealth is equated with wisdom, yet we know this is not always so, and we also know God is in charge and “God gives a home to the forsaken.” What we must also accept is that God’s time and ours is not always the same.
In his letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul instructs his listeners that when we have faith and belief, we approach the city of the living God. Our faith tells us there is a God and we are not God, so we humbly thank Jesus, who shed his blood for us.
Most of us at some time have been charged with preparing a seating plan for some occasion. Before Emily Post, Christ gave us a guide for such a chore, and not only did He suggest guidelines for guests, He also suggested guests to be included. How open are we to listen? How ready are we to follow? The guideless outline the road to heaven, so let us “get on board.”
Humility is TRUTH, and the truth is the humble are loved by God.
Sister Miriam Catherine Nevins, OP
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