Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C (2025)
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Today’s readings emphasize that true greatness comes from a humble spirit rather than self-exaltation. They convey that humility is not only a valuable social trait but also a spiritual necessity. It helps protect us from spiritual decline by reminding us of our dependence on God and our place within His creation. As Jesus dines at the home of a leading Pharisee, He observes how the guests compete for the places of honor at the table. With a parable, He teaches us, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 14:11. In our world, the allure of status, recognition, and power often tempts us to seek places of prominence, believing that they will establish our worth and validate our endeavors. However, Jesus challenges this notion, calling us to an entirely different understanding of greatness—one rooted in humility. The renowned British writer and scholar, C.S. Lewis, offered this concise description: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” St. Vincent de Paul’s said, “Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.” These statements call us to examine our hearts and to confront the illusions we might harbor about ourselves. Humility invites us to acknowledge our gifts, our limitations, and our utter dependence on God’s grace. We are reminded that any talents or successes we have are not solely the products of our efforts, but rather gifts from our loving Creator.
This call to humility extends to our relationships with others. Jesus instructs us to invite to our gatherings “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” — Luke 14:13. In doing so, He urges us to step outside of our comfort zones, away from the clutches of social status, and to welcome those whom society may overlook, or look down upon. By inviting the marginalized, we embody Christ’s love, demonstrating that every individual is a child of God who has inherent dignity and worth. Real-life examples abound that illustrate the humble spirit that Jesus calls us to embrace. People have used the term “Compassion in Action” to describe the philosophy and way of life of Mother Teresa. It encapsulates her belief that love and empathy are not passive feelings but active forces that compel one to serve others. Mother Teresa devoted her life to serving the poorest of the poor; she sought no accolades for her work; rather, her life was a testament to serving others with selfless love. Her humility drew people from around the globe to join her efforts.
When we recognize that we are all equal in God’s eyes, we can engage with others without the barriers of pride and self-glorification. As we reflect on Jesus’ words, let us ask ourselves: Are we seeking to elevate ourselves in the eyes of others, or are we striving to live in humility, looking for ways to love and serve God and people? When we choose humility, we do not diminish ourselves; rather, we live our lives with grace and authenticity. “Humility isn’t denying your strengths; it’s being honest about your weaknesses,” said Rick Warren, a prominent minister and author. His quote reminds us about having a realistic view of one’s limitations and areas in need of personal and spiritual growth.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.