(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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