TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
September 22, 2024
Saint Cecilia Catholic Community
Deacon Sharon Kay Talley
Wisdom 2:12;17-20 | Psalm 54
James 3:16-4:3 | Mark 9:30-37
+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, AMEN.
An excerpt from Corrie Ten Boom’s book, “Each New Day” reads, “When I saw Sadhu Sundar Singh, the world-renowned Christian missionary, in Europe, he had completed a tour around the world. People asked him, “Doesn’t it do harm, your getting so much honor?” The Sadhu’s answer was “No. The donkey went into Jerusalem and they put garments on the ground before him. He was not proud. He knew it was not done to honor him, but for Jesus who was sitting on his back. When people honor me, I know it is not me, but the Lord, who does the job.”
Humility and service to God and others are the main themes of all of today’s liturgical readings. Humility is not about putting oneself down or denying one’s worth, but rather, about recognizing our own limitations and acknowledging the gifts and abilities of others.
Service is not just a duty or obligation, but a joyful response to the love and grace that God has shown us.
Today, as we prepare to baptize Jerica, Alyssa, and Victor, they will be embracing the teachings of Jesus with sincerity and reverence. As they grow spiritually, they will be guided by the Holy Spirit in acquiring humility as they develop a deeper understanding of their place in God’s plan for them.
Our first reading from the Book of Wisdom, also known as Sirach, contains a very clear Messianic prophecy, “For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend Him”. This passage provides a profound insight into the concept of humility by emphasizing the fleeting nature of human accomplishments and possessions and by highlighting the impermanence of wealth and status. Ultimately, everyone is equal in the face of mortality.
Our second reading from the Book of James touches upon the concept of humility in relation to prayer, when it states, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives that you may spend what you get on your passions.” This verse emphasizes the importance of approaching prayer with sincerity and humility, rather that seeking personal gain or selfish desires. It underscores that humility is essential in our relationship with God, allowing for a deeper connection and a sense of gratitude for His blessings.
The Gospel reading today from Mark also delves into the theme of humility and service. This passage tells the story of Jesus teaching His disciples about the importance of humility and putting others before themselves. This lesson is particularly relevant in today’s society where individualism and self-promotion often take precedence over the values of humility and service.
This Gospel reading inspires us to re-examine our own attitudes and behaviors towards those around us. For example, do you seek recognition and praise for your accomplishments, or do you humbly offer your gifts and talents for the betterment of others? Are you willing to step back and allow others to shine or do you insist on being the center of attention? These questions force us to confront our own egos and biases and to consider how we can better emulate the example of Jesus in our daily lives.
We also need to concentrate on the importance of service in our lives, just as Jesus tells His disciples that, “whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” This radical teaching challenges us to rethink our priorities and values and to consider how we can best serve God and our neighbor in all that we do.
We need to look beyond ourselves and our own needs and to reach out to those who are less fortunate or in need of help. We also need to be mindful of the marginalized and vulnerable in our society, and to advocate for justice and compassion on their behalf. Our call to service is a reminder that our faith is not just a personal relationship[ with God, but a call to love and serve our neighbors as ourselves.
Humility and service are not easy virtues to cultivate, especially in a culture that values independence and self-reliance. So we must acknowledge the struggle of living out these values in a world that often rewards pride and self-promotion. Humility is a call to let go of selfish ambition and pride, and to serve others with a spirit of generosity and love. This message is especially poignant in a world where success is often measured by material wealth and status, rather than by acts of kindness and compassion towards others. We must rely on God’s grace and strength and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our efforts to live lives of humility and service.
We must also look for opportunities to serve others, whether it be through volunteering, through acts of kindness, or by simply listening to those in need. Remember, even small gestures of love and compassion can make a big difference in the lives of others and that every act of service is a reflection of God’s love.
So, let us all take this message of humility and service to heart and make a conscious effort to incorporate these values into our daily lives. Let us strive for greater humility and generosity in all that we do. True greatness is not found in power or prestige but in the willingness to serve others with love and compassion.
As we strive to live out the values of humility and service, may we be guided by the example of Jesus, who humbled Himself to serve others and share in our humanity.
Amen.