Humility and Generosity

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to recognize the humility that accompanies those who love and care generously for others.

Humble and Generous

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 

Gifted for the Banquet

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, invite us to celebrate our invitation to the Banquet of Grace in the way that we show our gratitude and care in our daily activities.

Banquet and Gratitude

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans celebrates the Gifts and Marks of the True Christian.

* [12:6] Everyone has some gift that can be used for the benefit of the community. When the instruction on justification through faith is correctly grasped, the possessor of a gift will understand that it is not an instrument of self-aggrandizement. Possession of a gift is not an index to quality of faith. Rather, the gift is a challenge to faithful use.

* [12:8] Over others: usually taken to mean “rule over” but possibly “serve as a patron.” Wealthier members in Greco-Roman communities were frequently asked to assist in public service projects. In view of the references to contributing in generosity and to acts of mercy, Paul may have in mind people like Phoebe (Rom 16:1–2), who is called a benefactor (or “patron”) because of the services she rendered to many Christians, including Paul. (Romans, CHAPTER 12, 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, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Great Dinner.

* [14:15–24] The parable of the great dinner is a further illustration of the rejection by Israel, God’s chosen people, of Jesus’ invitation to share in the banquet in the kingdom and the extension of the invitation to other Jews whose identification as the poor, crippled, blind, and lame (Lk 14:21) classifies them among those who recognize their need for salvation, and to Gentiles (Lk 14:23). A similar parable is found in Mt 22:1–10. (Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mary Lee Brock asks us to  look at the conflicts that emerge among our families and friends as perhaps rooted in our different gifts.  With a bit of grace and generosity could we appreciate another perspective? What would it take to extend an invitation to someone from the “highways and the hedgerows”? Could we dig deep to find shared values? 

Could we dig deep to find shared values?  How can we celebrate our cherished memories and work together to enjoy new experiences?  How can we accept an invitation that might initially feel inconvenient as we have so many demands on our time?  Can we set down some of our earthly burdens for a moment to hear the voice of God in one another?

Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. (Brock, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who died for his faith under the Nazi persecution of Jews and Christians, and who contrasted cheap grace and costly grace.

"Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves... the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance... grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate... Costly grace is the Gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life." (Schwager, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The heavenly food of Jesus' word,” by Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD).

"The holy agape is the sublime and saving creation of the Lord... An agape is in reality heavenly food, a banquet of the Word. The agape, or love, 'bears all things, endures all things, hopes all things. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). 'Blessed is he who eats bread in the kingdom of God' (Luke 14:15). The most unlikely of all downfalls is charity that does not fail to be thrown down from heaven to earth among all these dainty seasonings. Do you still imagine that I refer to a meal that will be destroyed? (1 Corinthians 6:13) 'If I distribute my goods to the poor and do not have love,' Scripture says, 'I am nothing' (1 Corinthians 13:3). The whole law and the word depend on this love (Matthew 22:40). If you love the Lord your God and your neighbor (Mark 12:30-31), there will be a heavenly feast in heaven. The earthly feast, as we have proved from Scripture, is called a supper. It is permeated with love yet is not identified with it but is an expression of mutual and generous good will." (excerpt from CHRIST THE EDUCATOR 2,1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 14:15-24 comments that like the host in today’s parable, Jesus is our generous host, and here’s what he says to us:

Come (Luke 14:17). You’ve received an invitation! Jesus has called you by name to be part of his banquet. He spreads his table before you, ready to bless you with his grace, strength, and love. Let the Holy Spirit stir your heart with excitement and gratitude for the invitation.

Everything is now ready (Luke 14:17). Jesus is always ready to meet you. He is never scrambling to find a place for you at his table. You are never an unexpected guest. Rather, he is waiting at the banquet, eager to greet you.

Don’t be like those half-hearted invitees in today’s parable! Jesus offers you something magnificent. He invites you into his presence to enjoy all that he has to offer. Today, as you pray, accept his invitation and come to his table.

“Lord Jesus, I give my heart to you. Make me ready to always say yes to you.” (Meditation on Luke 14:15-24, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler considers the possible parenesis that Paul offers the Romans after his proclamation of the gifts we have to build up the Kingdom. We respond to those who persecute us with the Love of God. Friar Jude reminds us of the attention of Luke to the anawim, the people who, but for the Grace of God, are not going to make it.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, quotes Karl Barth, (Church Dogmatics, 4.1) that “grace and gratitude belong together like heaven and earth. Grace evokes gratitude like the voice of an echo. Gratitude follows grace like thunder lightning.”  Author Anne Lamott writes of the natural movement of gratitude from our hearts in prayer to our lives in action.

How can something so simple be so profound, letting others go first, in traffic or in line at Starbucks, and even if no one cares or notices? Because for the most part, people won’t care—they’re late, they haven’t heard back from their new boyfriend, or they’re fixated on the stock market. And they won’t notice that you let them go ahead of you.

They take it as their due.

But you’ll know. And it can change your whole day, which could be a way to change your whole life. There really is only today, although luckily that is also the eternal now. And maybe one person in the car in the lane next to you or in line at the bank or at your kid’s baseball game will notice your casual generosity and will be touched, lifted, encouraged—in other words, slightly changed for the better—and later will let someone else go first. And this will be quantum.

The movement of grace toward gratitude brings us from the package of self-obsessed madness to a spiritual awakening. Gratitude is peace. (Rohr, 2023)

We are gifted with the ability to exercise the Word that gives life in the generosity and gratitude with which we relate to the people on our journey.

References

Brock, M. L. (2023, November 7). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110723.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/14? 

Meditation on Luke 14:15-24. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/11/07/822887/ 

Psalms, PSALM 131. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/131? 

Rohr, R. (2023, November 7). Gratitude on the Move — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/gratitude-on-the-move/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 12. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/12? 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Invitation to the King's Banquet Table. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=nov7 

Trust Humble Working for Good

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be humble and sincere examples to the people on our journey of love that rules our actions.

Loving Action

1st reading from the Prophet Malachi describes the Covenant profaned by Judah.

* [2:8] The covenant of Levi: not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. The covenant with Phinehas the grandson of Aaron (Nm 25:11–13) and the Blessing of Levi (Dt 33:8–11) may lie in the background. (Malachi, 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.)

The reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians describes his ministry among them.

* [2:7] Gentle: many excellent manuscripts read “infants” (nēpioi), but “gentle” (ēpioi) better suits the context here. (1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus offers a denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees.

* [23:8–12] These verses, warning against the use of various titles, are addressed to the disciples alone. While only the title ‘Rabbi’ has been said to be used in addressing the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 23:7), the implication is that Father and ‘Master’ also were. The prohibition of these titles to the disciples suggests that their use was present in Matthew’s church. The Matthean Jesus forbids not only the titles but the spirit of superiority and pride that is shown by their acceptance. Whoever exalts…will be exalted: cf. Lk 14:11. (Matthew, CHAPTER 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

Nancy Shirley ponders the reality that just because someone was in a position of authority be it in work, in education, in church, in government -- it wasn’t a guarantee of correct behavior.  Policies in any of those environments may speak to the “high road” and one could assume that activities would be laudable as well. However, the actions were/are at times reminiscent of the “road not taken.” 

It seems even more important as I reach my mid-70s with less time ahead of me than behind me, that those around me, especially my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren see congruency in my actions and words.  As I’ve mentioned previously in these reflections, I truly believe that my life is God’s gift to me and what I do with it, is my gift to God.  What do others see?  What do my grandchildren see?  Is this belief evident in what they see? Hear?  Ooh, my feet of clay still show . . .

Two songs to convey what my words may be lacking – the second one to remind those of my generation when we first started singing of our love so clearly!!

To Not Worship You   MercyMe                    By Our Love   for King & Country (Shirley, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted,” by Chrysostom, 347-407 A.D.

"For nothing is as crucial as the practice of modesty. This is why he is continually reminding them of this virtue, both when he brought the children into the midst and now. Even when he was preaching on the mount, beginning the Beatitudes, this is where he began. And in this passage he plucks up pride by the roots, saying, 'Whoever humbles himself will be exalted' (Luke 14:11). See how he draws off the hearer right over to the contrary thing. For not only does he forbid him to set his heart upon the first place but also requires him to follow after the last. For so shall you obtain your desire, he says. So one who pursues his own desire for the first must follow after in the last place: 'Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.'

"And where will we find this humility? Go to the city of virtue, to the tents of the holy men, to the mountains, to the groves (ascetics who live holy lives). There you may see this height of humility. For these persons, some illustrious from their rank in the world, some having had wealth, in every way put themselves down, by their dress, by their dwelling, by those to whom they serve. As if they were written characters, they throughout all things are writing the story of humility." (quote from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 72.3) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 23:1-12 comments that Jesus also said that his opponents placed burdens on people but did not “lift a finger” to help them (Matthew 23:4). By contrast, Jesus used the image of a yoke to describe his “burden.” A yoke is an instrument that links two oxen together so they can help each other bear the load. And that’s the point: Jesus wants to yoke himself to us so that he can walk beside us and help to lighten our burden.

Finally, and most important, the burdens of Jesus’ opponents were made up of human regulations and restrictions, of additional fasts and tithes, that could not bring people closer to God. But the exact opposite happens when we accept Jesus’ yoke. We come into an ever-deepening relationship with him. And that relationship fills us with the joy and comfort of his own Spirit.

So come to Jesus today. Let him yoke himself to you in a bond of everlasting love.

“Jesus, thank you that your burden is light!” (Meditation on Matthew 23:1-12, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes the condemnation offered by Malachi for priests of Israel for not using love to follow the Law. Paul expresses “mothers love” as necessary for the Thessalonians in this passage and “father’s love” in other places as crucial to understand the changes we need to make. Friar Jude reminds us of Jewish exaggeration as he suggests difficulty that may arise from priests with the title “Father” and the temptation to ignore the requirement to exercise authority in service.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, summarizes the good news of God’s freely-given grace. This grace was defined even in the old Baltimore Catechism as “that which confers on our souls a new life, that is, a sharing in the life of God.” We always knew it on paper, but much less by way of experience and therefore inner conviction.

Unless and until we understand the biblical concept of God’s unmerited favor, God’s unaccountable love, most of the biblical text cannot be interpreted or tied together in any positive way. It is, without a doubt, the key and the code to everything transformative in the Bible. People who have not experienced the radical character of grace will always misinterpret the meaning and major direction of the Bible. The Bible will become a burden, obligation, and weapon more than a gift.

Grace cannot be understood by any ledger of merits and demerits. It cannot be held to patterns of buying, losing, earning, achieving, or manipulating, which is unfortunately where most of us live our lives. Grace is quite literally “for the taking.” It is God eternally giving away God—for nothing, except the giving itself. I believe grace is the life energy that makes flowers bloom, animals lovingly raise their young, babies smile, and planets remain in their orbits—for no good reason whatsoever except love alone. (Rohr, 2023)

We are reminded of our giftedness in our relationships with family and friends and we seek the guidance of the Spirit to work humbly and with integrity for love and compassion in our environment.

References

Malachi, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/malachi/2 

Matthew, CHAPTER 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/23?1 

Meditation on Matthew 23:1-12. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 5, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/11/05/821232/ 

1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1thessalonians/2?7 

Psalms, PSALM 131 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/131?1 

Rohr, R. (2023, November 5). Unmerited Generosity — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 5, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/unmerited-generosity/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Whoever Humbles Oneself Will Be Exalted. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 5, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=nov5 

Shirley, N. (2023, November 5). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 5, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110523.html