How Blessed Are the Humble

Tuesday, 3 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17, Luke 10:21-24

“Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Luke 10:23-24)

In our Gospel passage today, we hear Jesus thanking God for hiding certain things from the wise and revealing them to mere infants. On this occasion, Jesus was addressing His disciples who had just returned from the mission of evangelisation with joy because even the demons were subject to them.

- If Jesus referred to the disciples as infants, who are the “wise” in this context? Those who are so full of themselves think they know it all, those who were challenging Jesus and looking for an opportunity to catch Him with tricky questions. Jesus’ opponents were wise by human standards, but this “wisdom” prevented them from recognising God in their midst.

- During this season of Advent, we must continuously ask ourselves: How willing am I to humble myself and come to terms with my nothingness? Am I ready to let go of my pride? Yesterday, we were presented with the example of the Roman Centurion who confessed his unworthiness in having Jesus under his roof. Today, we are again reminded of the importance of humility.

- At Christmas, we celebrate a God who humbled Himself to the point of assuming the nature of one of His creatures: man. As St. Paul would say: “Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8).

- Pride is blindness. Yesterday, we noted that humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking big of God. Pride, on the other hand, is the inability to see and acknowledge God, having become blinded by one’s greatness. Somehow, you begin to think you are God.

- In today’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the time that shall come when the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. What does Isaiah mean by a little child assuming leadership of an unthinkable combination of animals who we know are natural enemies? This is what humility entails.

- An African proverb says that if a child washes his hands very well, he will be invited to sit at the table and eat with the elders. In other words, if we are humble, regardless of our size and status, we will be granted access to high places. Humility will put people under us, like the child leading the lion, the leopard, the wolf, and the lamb.

- This prophecy of Isaiah also points directly to the baby Jesus. As a baby, Jesus could not lift his hand, not to mention hold a broomstick, but Herod and his entire household trembled with fear. Kings came from across the world to pay homage to Jesus. Angels sang to the shepherds who kept watch at night. The whole world stood still for this baby, this little child born to change history.

- Today, we remember St. Francis Xavier. Francis, born April 7, 1506, in Navarre, was a pivotal figure in Christian missionary history. Amidst his noble upbringing, he encountered the turbulence of war before pursuing studies at the University of Paris. There, he befriended Peter Favre and was profoundly influenced by Ignatius of Loyola, leading to his priestly vocation. On August 15, 1534, Xavier, Favre, and companions took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, intending to evangelise in the Holy Land. Unable to proceed due to conflict, they formed the Society of Jesus, later known as the Jesuits, receiving approval from Pope Paul III in 1540. With the Portuguese expansion into India, Xavier embarked on a mission to revive Christian values among settlers, departing on his 35th birthday in 1541.

- Arriving in Goa in 1542, Xavier ministered to the sick and children. Later, he extended his efforts to the Pearl Fishery Coast, establishing 40 churches despite challenges from Portuguese misconduct. His mission expanded to Malacca and the Maluku Islands and, in 1549, to Japan, where he adapted his approach to accommodate cultural differences and met with resistance from traditional beliefs. Xavier's final venture aimed at China, but confrontations in Malacca and illness thwarted his plans. He died on December 3, 1552, and was buried on an island off the Chinese coast. His body was later moved to Goa, where it remains, save for relics dispersed to Rome and Macau.

- Beatified in 1619 and canonised alongside Ignatius of Loyola in 1622, St. Francis Xavier is celebrated as the patron of Catholic missions, with his feast day on December 3. His legacy reflects a life dedicated to spreading faith across diverse cultures, marked by resilience and adaptability in adversity.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may we grow in humility. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Francis Xavier, Priest Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Isaiah 11:1-10, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17, Luke 10:21-24).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu