Do you consider yourself a strong Catholic?

by David Lins  |  09/01/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Do you consider yourself a strong Catholic? You might find this week’s readings a bit challenging.

Do you struggle with your faith and fear you have a long way to go in order to be holy as most of the other people in church? These readings should sound like honey.

We are told plainly in Luke 14 to avoid sitting in a place of honor, lest we be humbled when told to move. This is akin to anyone who always knows best, only to eventually taste embarrassment when they are not universally lauded for their opinions. We are, after all, told self-exultation leads to humiliation.

When we gather, Jesus tells us to invite the poor, the maimed, and the blind. This weekend’s Psalm backs up this sentiment by proclaiming God gives the desolate “a home to dwell in.” Furthermore, the first reading from Sirach says the Lord is glorified by the humble.

St. Benedict reflected on this weekend’s Gospel and created twelve steps to reach “the highest peak of humility.” Step seven is crucial - and crucially lost to so many.

“Not only confessing that you are inferior, but believing it in your heart.” I know how harsh that can seem, but it is actually fairly straightforward. Next time you are in a room, a car, or a church, look around and recognize the virtues each person has that you lack. Resolve to be more like them in that way in your ultimate pursuit of becoming more like Christ. Do NOT look around and allow yourself to focus on your perception of their lack of virtue. (You do not, after all, know their story - either that day, or that life.)

I would encourage us all to remember Jesus spent time with a stinky fisherman, an embarrassed divorced woman, a corrupt government official, and a woman with a bad reputation. He never required they meet a certain standard before meeting him. His presence and words challenged them to change.

If you are familiar with scripture, I have no doubt you know and remember Jesus’ harshest words were reserved for those who lacked humility and presumed to know his will perfectly. God, please help us to never fall into that trap.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.

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