Humility and Service: Two Powerful Keys for Greatness.

(Homily for February 21, 2017).


The desire to be great is one that is edged deeply in the human spirit. Having been created by a great God, there is something in us that constantly longs for self-actualization, personal fulfilment and respect from others. Just as God desires that we worship him and him alone, we who are made in His image and likeness also desire that others “worship” us; that is why we don’t joke with our self-esteem and public image. However, the way we go about seeking the respect of others can matters alone. Jesus does not condemn the desire to be great, instead he brought a little child into the midst of the disciples to illustrate that true greatness is not really about lording it on others but serving them and bringing oneself down in humility.

Even our first reading today corroborates this fact when it says: “For gold and silver are tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.” Trust me, no one like a like proud person, no one will promote you when you try to prove to them that you are ahead of them. But humility will take you forward. Once upon a time, an accident occurred and a man was at the point of death, people gathered at the scene then a lady dressed in a nurse uniform walked up to the scene and tried to put people away shouting that she is a nurse so they let her walk up to the man. Then she noticed that an elderly woman dressed in mufti was still beside the man so she shouted at the woman: “Please step away, I am a certified and qualified nurse, I know what to do for this man to save his life.” The woman looked at her and quietly stepped aside. Then she tried to apply first aid on the man. As she was still fumbling with him, the woman whispered into her ear: “In case you need a doctor, there is one right behind you.”

I guess you got the message! Humility is the only valid route to true greatness.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, teach me to bring myself down. Amen. St. Peter Damian: Pray for us.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11 and Mark 9:30-37).


Fr. Abu.

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