23-Feb-16

Gospel MT 23:1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection:
"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
My long departed friend, Father Richard, was fond of saying, "Humility is a funny thing. Just when you think you have humility that's when you've lost it."
There is a fine line between pride and humility.
Humility is a difficult thing to describe, but we seem to know it when we see it.
To me, the people who seem to exude humility are those who don't appear to have the need to control.
That's where that "fine line" comes into play.
In living life, while trying to make sure certain things happen we still struggle to "let go and let God."
I think attaining humility is a matter of getting out of the driver's seat."
Rather than taking responsibility for "making things" happen, we should try to settle into the passenger seat of "letting things" happen.
I find that when people let go and let God, things generally work out pretty well without their help (or interference).
Most importantly, when we turn it over to God, we also need to give credit to God.
"The greatest among you must be your servant."
I am blessed to witness so many examples of humility at My Brother's Keeper. Everywhere I look, I see "humble" servants.
They quietly perform the important, but non-glamorous tasks of emptying trash, breaking down boxes, washing pots and pans, sweeping the floor and all the little things that help to make "The Keeper" hum.
Three times each day those who serve in the forefront and those who serve in the shadows come together in prayer to give the glory to God.

"True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less." C.S. Lewis