The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to recognize the humility that accompanies those who love and care generously for others.
In the reading from the Letter to the Philippians, Paul urges us to imitate Christ’s Humility.
* [2:1–11] The admonition to likemindedness and unity (Phil 2:2–5) is based on the believers’ threefold experience with Christ, God’s love, and the Spirit. The appeal to humility (Phil 2:3) and to obedience (Phil 2:12) is rooted in christology, specifically in a statement about Christ Jesus (Phil 2:6–11) and his humbling of self and obedience to the point of death (Phil 2:8).
* [2:5] Have…the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus: or, “that also Christ Jesus had.” While it is often held that Christ here functions as a model for moral imitation, it is not the historical Jesus but the entire Christ event that Phil 2:6–11 depict. Therefore, the appeal is to have in relations among yourselves that same relationship you have in Jesus Christ, i.e., serving one another as you serve Christ (Phil 2:4). (Philippians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 131 is a Song of Quiet Trust.
* [Psalm 131] A song of trust, in which the psalmist gives up self-sufficiency (Ps 131:1), like a babe enjoying the comfort of its mother’s lap (Ps 131:2), thus providing a model for Israel’s faith (Ps 131:3). (Psalms, PSALM 131 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus addresses the conduct of Invited Guests and Hosts.
* [14:7–14] The banquet scene found only in Luke provides the opportunity for these teachings of Jesus on humility and presents a setting to display Luke’s interest in Jesus’ attitude toward the rich and the poor (see notes on Lk 4:18; 6:20–26; 12:13–34). (Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)
John Shea, S.J. (2002) comments that in today’s first reading, St. Paul provides a corrective to this attitude of superiority, reminding us to “humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others.” And Jesus shows us how to place this corrective into action, encouraging us to “invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” to our tables. The very people society looks down upon are those we are called to welcome. Jesus ate with the outcasts, sinners, and tax collectors. Jesus, the Son of God, did not believe himself to be better than others. Neither should we.
As the United States approaches the midterm elections, today’s readings raise important questions. Does our own attitude of superiority prevent us from seeking the common good? How do we welcome the poor, outcasts, immigrants, and marginalized to our tables? Do we support public servants who think they’re better than others, especially those they are charged to serve? Can we work for a society in which we all recognize our need for God’s mercy and love? (Shea, 2024)
Don Schwager quotes “First and last at the banquet table,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).
"'When,' he says, 'a man more honorable than you comes, he that invited you and him will say, 'Give this man place.' Oh, what great shame is there in having to do this! It is like a theft, so to speak, and the restitution of the stolen goods. He must restore what he has seized because he had no right to take it. The modest and praiseworthy person, who without fear of blame might have claimed the dignity of sitting among the foremost, does not seek it. He yields to others what might be called his own, that he may not even seem to be overcome by empty pride. Such a one shall receive honor as his due. He says, 'He shall hear him who invited him say, 'Come up here.' ...If any one among you wants to be set above others, let him win it by the decree of heaven and be crowned by those honors that God bestows. Let him surpass the many by having the testimony of glorious virtues. The rule of virtue is a lowly mind that does not love boasting. It is humility. The blessed Paul also counted this worthy of all esteem. He writes to those who eagerly desire saintly pursuits, 'Love humility.'"(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 101) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Philippians 2:1-4 comments that she found the perfect verse: “Humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
It’s those small choices that build the humility and deference that St. Paul is talking about. Regarding others as more important, or looking out for their interests, is not about putting yourself down or saying yes to every demand. And it’s not limited to just the “heroic” acts we might imagine. It’s asking, How can I love the person in front of me right now? How can I meet their needs? It’s being willing to put aside our own preferences so we can lift up someone else. And that’s something we can ask the Lord to help us do today.
“Jesus, help me choose to think of others first. Make me like you!” (Meditation on Philippians 2:1-4, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler notes that the Phillipians were a community that Paul truly loved as he encourages them to regard the other more than self just before he cites the great Christological hymn of Jesus kénōsis. Friar Jude reminds us of the exhortation of Luke to love the broken and sinful because of the Love of God for all.
Brian McLaren invites us to practice revolutionary love.
We’re used to thinking of the real differences in the world as among religions: you are Buddhist, I am Christian, she is Jewish, he is atheist. But I wonder if that way of thinking is becoming irrelevant and perhaps even counter-productive. What if the deeper question is not whether you are a Christian, Buddhist, or atheist, but rather, what kind of Christian, Buddhist, or atheist are you? Are you a believer who puts your distinct beliefs first, or are you a person of faith who puts love first? Are you a believer whose beliefs put you in competition and conflict with people of differing beliefs, or are you a person of faith whose faith moves you toward the other with love? [2] (McLaren, n.d.)
We ponder the humility and generosity of those who are truly in touch with love and implore the Spirit to guide us to live in that Way.
References
Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/14?12
McLaren, B. (n.d.). Love Beyond. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/love-beyond/
Meditation on Philippians 2:1-4. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/04/1122512/
Philippians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/2?1
Psalms, PSALM 131 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/131?1
Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Will Be Repaid at the Resurrection of the Just. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov4
Shea, J. (2024, November 4). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110424.html
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