Twenty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Staff Report

The Gospel passage for today presents us with two very important lessons which Jesus taught upon attending a dinner at the house of a leader of the Pharisees.

First, Jesus observed how the guests were vying for the places of honor at the table, the places that would have been reserved for the special guests of honor or at least for the more important among them. It gives Jesus the opportunity to present a little lesson on humility.

Humility is an often misunderstood virtue. Sometimes humility is perceived as an opportunity to degrade ourselves, to deny the gifts and talents the Lord has given us, to make ourselves less than we are. This is a negative perception of this virtue, and it is far from the truth. After all, the Lord created us, He gave us life. All that we have and all that we are, the sum total of our gifts, our achievements, our talents — all these come from God. Ah, and there it is! Humility is not denying who or what we are but realizing that all these gifts come from God.

The pharisees in Jesus’ time were very conscious of the law, of every jot and tittle of the law. They prided themselves (there’s that word — the antithesis of humility — pride) on the fact that they not only knew every aspect of the law but that they scrupulously observed it. Unfortunately, they believed — or at least their actions lead us to believe that they believed — that this justified them. They didn’t need any help from anyone, including the Lord. They were self-made. They deserved the best place at table. They deserved to be held in high esteem because they were better than anyone and everyone else — or so they thought.

They exalted themselves — and what was the response of Jesus to that: “. . . all who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) The lesson: acknowledge that every good gift we have comes from the Lord. We do not need to degrade ourselves, to deny our gifts, our talents — only to realize from whom they come and give God the glory! It is the Lord who saves us, the Lord who justifies us.

Second, Jesus gives his host a little lesson on who ought to be recipients of his generosity. Simply put, don’t invite those or give to those from whom you expect something in return. Give generously to those who cannot return the favor. Give from the heart not looking for or expecting something in return. Don’t give to be recognized or honored. Give because God has given to you. Give as God gives. Share your blessings with others.

Two very practical but important lessons for us. May the Lord give us the grace and fortitude to put them into practice.

Most Rev. Roger J. Foys, D.D. is Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Covington, Ky