Mt 23: 1-12
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.
They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi.
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Humbly Turning Away From Sin
In contrast to the pride of those who seek to be honored before others, Jesus tells us to be humble before God. In the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius defines humility as being faithful to God who so fully and faithfully loves us. He does not talk about looking at other people and imagining how they are better than oneself. Instead, Ignatius turns to the Creator who infinitely transcends every creature and tells us to let nothing make us so full of ourselves as to forget God’s love and to sin.
For St. Ignatius, humility is practical and is focused on the love of God. We truly learn to be humble by imitating Jesus, who did not let wealth, honor, or fear of others’ opinions get in the way of loving the Father and us.
Where may God be inviting me to humbly turn away from sin and back to his love?
—Thomas Croteau, SJ, is a deacon of the Central and Southern Province studying theology in Berkeley, California.
Prayer
Jesus, our one teacher, you humbled yourself, and your love has been exalted over all. Teach us to walk humbly with you, to keep our eyes on the Father as you do, and to love you above all things. Amen.
—Thomas Croteau, SJ