Esteemed brothers and sisters in Christ,

This Sunday's gospel offers us a valuable lesson on humility. The context of this lesson is a Jewish meal, an event of significant social importance in the Jewish tradition, with a much deeper meaning than the coffee and donuts typically served after our Sunday morning Masses here in our parish. Jesus took note of how the guests were vying for esteemed positions at the banquet, and He seized the opportunity to impart ethical exhortations and wise counsel.

What we must grasp is that when Jesus advises us to take the lowest place when invited, He is not coaching us to play a game in order to gain public recognition. Instead, He is highlighting a more prudent and effective approach to receiving honor. Humility should not be a façade employed for the sake of recognition. Rather, it is a genuine quality of life embraced by those who understand that their worth is not determined by peer acknowledgment, but by the profound truth that they have been accepted by God (New Interpreter's Bible, by Peterson, D.).

Jesus, our Savior, exemplified humility, as we see in St. Paul's letter to the Philippians. It states, "Though He was in the form of God, Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave and being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:6).

How can we cultivate the virtue of humility? One way is to recognize that, no matter how much we know, it is only a fraction of the vast amount of knowledge that exists. Similarly, we need to understand that, regardless of our accomplishments, they are ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Furthermore, no matter how important we may perceive ourselves to be, life and work will continue unchanged after we pass away or retire from our positions.

Sir Isaac Newton provides a powerful example of humility. When asked how he felt after making significant scientific discoveries, he replied, "I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself, I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, diverting myself in now and then, finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, while the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me" (Libquotes.com). In contrast, a prideful person might have believed they knew it all, which would have hindered their pursuit of further knowledge.

Additionally, we can cultivate humility by comparing ourselves to those who excel in various fields. When we observe or listen to experts, we often come to the realization of how inadequate our own performances may be. Even if you accomplish something remarkable, remember that there is always someone who has achieved even more, or there will likely be someone in the future who will surpass your achievements. Therefore, it is essential to remain humble. Humility means recognizing your weaknesses and relying on a higher power, in this case, God.

Cardinal Merry de Val's litany of humility serves as а profound guide for cultivating this essential virtue. It encourages us to seek God's help in letting go of our desires for esteem, exaltation, honor, praise, and preference over others. Alternatively, the litany invites us to release our fears of humiliation, scorn, rebuke, being forgotten, ridicule, and suspicion.

May God increase our desire and grace to grow in these values and ultimately lead us to the virtue of humility.

In God's service and yours,

Fr. Thomas Kagumisa

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