31st Sunday, 2017

Psalm 131
Matthew 23:1-12

Verse 2 of Psalm 131 reads, “I have calmed and contented myself” (5). This translation reminds us internal peace is not the responsibility of others, not based on external circumstance, and not spontaneous or unconscience. It is something we intentionally and diligently seek. David, our psalm-singer renounces self-sufficiency, self-determination, and self-mastery; his peace exists not because he has willed it, but because he has surrendered to the Lord. David expresses an attitude of patience, forbearance and gentleness towards himself : a display a self-compassion sans self-pity.

David continues, “Nor have I striven for great things nor for things too wondrous for me” (5). Because so much information is available to us, independence and the do-it-yourself mentality are hallmarks of a competent and respectable human being. Knowing and accepting limitations flies in the face of society and media. The Adam and Eve Test Case proved the general rule; humans do not like to be denied any possession or knowledge by a higher being.

In the gospel, Jesus also extols the virtue and reward of humility. Unlike some of Jesus’ teachings, donning humility is not counter-cultural. While we commit the sin of pride more often than we care to admit, humility is generally considered good manners. The words humility and human and rooted in the Latin word humus, meaning earth; we are made of the same dirt, dust and clay.

We begin by imitating David’s example and intentionally renouncing our own power and surrendering to the Lord. We follow this by donning a cloak of humility. Humility is not so much a lack of pride and haughty arrogance, but understanding priorities and relevance, i.e., the big picture. Honors and titles, respect and regard, do not animate our lives, are not the spark, the breath which brings life to life. In other words, we strive to remain consciously aware and awake to the fact that only because God is God can a human be a human.

Jesus concludes this passage by saying, “The humble will be exalted.” While we tend to define the word exalt as meaning to praise, worship or glorify, it also means to stimulate, inspire, uplift, energize.

At first blush a discussion on humility seems to be both a suggestion to use pleasant manners when interacting with others, and an exhortation to remember God is God, humans are humans. However and more-so, Jesus is inviting us to see the purpose of our life as He does. His intention in animating our life breath, giving us life on earth, is to inspire, uplift and energize a being who can be in union with Him for all of Eternity. The Lord is in it for the long haul and the greatest gift we can give Him return is to remember this with David’s joy and peace.

Journal Questions:

How do I see humility exemplified by others? Do I observe a difference between human-orientated humility and God-orientated humility?
When have I forgotten God is God, and I human? Where else do I see this mistake in play?
How does the alternative definition of the word exalt resonate with me? What nuances and layers are added to my understanding of this passage?

References: Refer to blog post entitled Resources

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