Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
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August 26, 2022August 28, 2022
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a
Lk 14:1, 7-14
GROW AS A DISCIPLE | PRAY, STUDY, ENGAGE, SERVE
GROW: Pope St. John XXIII, one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, had a wonderful sense of humor. In stories recalled by Fr. Greg Friedman, OFM, Good Pope John would say, “God knew from all eternity I was going to be pope. Couldn’t God have made me more handsome?” He also had a deep devotion to St. Joseph. In his writings, he talks about the humble and overlooked role that Joseph played in the life of Christ. He promoted an increased devotion to the humble, loyal saint who stayed quietly in the background and provided a home for Christ and his mother. St. Joseph is a model for the humility that our readings speak of today. Being humble doesn’t mean being embarrassed or ashamed of the talents and abilities we have. It means acknowledging that these are gifts from God. God does not give us these gifts so we can place ourselves above others, as Jesus observed people doing at the home of the Pharisee. They are to be used to glorify God. By being humble, we “will be loved more than a giver of gifts … and find favor with God.”
GO EVANGELIZE | PRAYER, INVITATION, WITNESS, ACCOMPANIMENT
GO: I always remember what I was told in a volunteer training when preparing to serve hospice patients and their families: sit at eye level or lower when meeting with the patient or their family members. Being “at the same level” not only “lifted up” the patient but also brought the volunteer “down” to their level. This not only made listening easier and showed respect for the dignity of the patient; it also helped the volunteer see things from the patient’s perspective. Jesus tells us in the Gospel today that being his disciples is not about elevating ourselves, but about lowering ourselves. He calls us to invite, welcome, and accept those who are least able to repay us. When we forget about ourselves and our place in the world and instead lift up others, he tells us we “will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
ACT: One of the greatest acts of humility is to acknowledge when we are wrong, apologize, and ask forgiveness. Is there someone you can reconcile with by admitting you were wrong? Allowing God to forgive you in the sacrament of reconciliation will help you grow in humility.
