*HOMILY OF SATURDAY OF THE THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR (A)*
R1:- Philippians 1:18b-26
PS:- 42:2.3.5cdefg(R.3ab)
Accl:- Matthew 11:29ab
Gosp:- Luke 14:1.7-11
A king may claim to be all and all in his own territory. He becomes wise the moment he is able to define his boundaries and know that where his kingdom ends is where the kingdom of another king starts.
However, humility helps him to take a lower profile wherever he steps out of his kingdom. He should make do with whatever space given to him when he steps out of his jurisdiction.
A place of honour should be conferred on us based on how much respect we have earned, not just by the position we occupy. Our personal integrity matters.
The Lord Jesus said in our today’s gospel, ” _when you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honour, lest a more eminent man than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you. Give place to this man, and then you will begin with shame to take lowest place.”_
Jesus words were directed to those who derive joy in flouting pharisaic instinct, people who always want to be seen at the top. He cautioned our urge for people’s recognition.
The best way to earn people’s respect is to practise the art of humility by walking and working within our curtailed marked out lines. Humility exalts when our life and work command people to honour us and not when we choose to honour ourselves or buy our way into it.
May we be decorated with humility so that as a result of pride we may not loose our relevance in the society. Amen.
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