Exaltation of the Humble
Reflection for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time, Year A
(Phil 2:5-11; Lk 14:15-24)
Paul's letter to the Philippians shall guide our meditation in this first Week of the month. Today, Paul recounts the humility of Jesus Christ as an example for all to follow. Jesus “emptied” Himself, taking the form of a servant, and became obedient unto death, even death on a Cross. “Therefore, God has highly exalted Him...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
The Gospel of today narrates the disappointing story of how those invited to the banquet turned down the invitation. They held tight their personal engagements such that they could not surrender in obedience to the invitation of the Master. This behaviour angered the Master, who sent his servants to invite the lowly to the banquet.
Being able to empty oneself in humility is a sign of self-mastery! When we are so rigid and unbending to the Will of God, it is a sign that we have been “taken over” by certain influences or engagements. But if we follow the example of Jesus as St Paul proposed, then we shall be exalted in Christ Jesus to the glory of God the Father. This is how we grow in inner peace and self-knowledge. Unless we humble ourselves in total surrender to the will of God, we will continue to diminish ourselves in different external entanglements. Let the living example of Jesus Christ be our exaltation today, Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Tuesday November 3rd, 2020.
St Martin De Porres.
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com
