On this 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to reflect on one of the most important Christian virtues, which is humility. The understanding we gain from the readings extends beyond the traditional view of humility as simply modesty or politeness. In fact, it is the very heart of the Gospel and a defining characteristic of God Himself. Today, we are reminded that true greatness lies not in exalting ourselves, but in lowering ourselves in love and service of others.
The reading from the Book of Sirach urges us to perform our duties with gentleness and to approach life with a humble heart, reminding us that the greater we become, the more we must humble ourselves. True wisdom is not found in pride or self-importance, but in recognizing our limitations and our dependence on God. The world encourages us to prove ourselves, pursue success, and earn love and respect. But God’s way is different. His way is to reach out to others in love and service to the poor, the neglected, forgotten, and those on the margins of society.
In the Gospel, Jesus is at a dinner party. Everyone’s watching him, and then, in a bold and compassionate act, he heals a sick man, right in front of them. Jesus narrates a parable and teaches humility by advising guests to take the lowest place at a wedding banquet. This is more than good manners. Jesus is teaching us about the heart of God. He’s not giving us an etiquette lesson. He is demonstrating how God’s kingdom functions. In God’s banquet, the proud are relegated to the sidelines, and the humble are welcomed. Humility is not about perceiving ourselves as inferior. Rather, it’s about acknowledging our imperfections and embracing the love that surrounds us.
Sometimes, we come to God limping — poor in spirit, broken in body and mind, feeling we do not belong. But God surprises us. He invites us to the table in ways we cannot expect or imagine, just as we are.
Let us pause to ponder what our lives could be like if we lived that way. What if we stopped trying to earn God’s love and simply accepted it? What if we believed that our weakness isn’t a barrier, but a channel through which God’s grace and goodness can flow?
Rev. Elvin Cardoso, SJ
I am a Jesuit priest from Goa, India’s tiny but beautiful state. I studied in a Jesuit school that was from where I got my vocation. I was ordained in 2016. I am currently pursuing a degree in the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Creighton University.
I am truly grateful for this opportunity to share and express my faith while simultaneously enhancing and nurturing my prayer life.
