Mal 1:14-2:10, Matthew 23:1-12
Our first reading is taken from the second oracle in the collection of oracles attributed to Malachi. The literary structure of each of the oracles is that of a disputation, which is a ‘catechetical structure consisting of a) an affirmation of God or the prophet, b) a question arises from the people, usually a complaint or reproach and c) God or the prophet responses with an argument. This oracle is generally referred to as Sins of the Priests, and tackles the misuses and abuses that the priests have been committing. (Collegeville Bible Commentary, Order of St Benedict, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1992).
In the gospel, Jesus begins by addressing the faults and failings of the guardians and teachers of the faith as well. He does not blame the priests for faulty teaching, but states that their actions don’t fall in line with what they say. They seek the status and the trappings of status that their position of authority brings them. After explaining the issue, Jesus proposes that an attitude of humility will right the wrongs of such actions.
The words humility and human and humor are all rooted in the Latin word humus, meaning earth; we are made of the dirt, dust and clay. Jesus reminds them that there is one father, one rabbi, one master, and that is not themselves. They are to understand that everyone is their brother, i.e. their equal.
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.” In other words, those who remember that they are in a lower position than others will be brought to a higher one. They will literally be up-lifted.
Both these old and new testament conversations occurs in the context of our behavior as a spiritual and religious authority figures. While they both urge ethical and moral behavior, Jesus goes further by mentioning that our ultimate destination is the Kingdom. It is there that we will be uplifted to a higher position. Because we have been entrusted to function as spiritual authority figures here on Earth, we need to likewise, uplift those in our care to the Kingdom, as well. In other words, we must bring others with us!
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?
Writing to Pray 