Humility Makes Us Real

In this Sunday’s readings we reflect on humility, which we often confuse with having a poor self-image.  Humility is about seeing ourselves clearly and honestly – recognizing both our strengths and weaknesses. A poor self-image is a distorted view that focuses too much on flaws and feelings of inadequacy.  To quote Thomas Merton: “Pride makes us artificial, and humility makes us real.”

These readings remind us that true growth in the spiritual life is less about what we can gain, and more but about what we can let go. Just as the author of the first reading (Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29) invites us to “humble ourselves the more, the greater we are,” in the Gospel (Lk 14:1, 7-14) Jesus paints a picture of humility at a banquet table: take the lowly seat, and let honor find you, rather than seeking it out.

This isn’t just advice for good social etiquette, it is a radical call to live differently. Jesus nudges us to invite those who can’t repay us, to step out of the mindset of reciprocity and into a space where we trust that God is ultimately the one who reciprocates.  It is counter-cultural, both then and now, but it is in the letting go of our defenses, our fears, and our need to protect our own image that we truly find the treasure hidden in the field of our lives.

In other words, when we’re no longer driven by ego or fear, truth comes through. God entrusts truth to the humble, because they are the ones who can hold it gently, without twisting it for power.  Sometimes the deepest growth is about what we release, not what we gain.

1.What is one area of your life where you feel called to embrace a humbler attitude?

2.Can you recall a time when letting go of your defenses helped you to grow spiritually or understand a deeper truth?

3. In what ways does Jesus’ teaching about inviting those who can’t repay you challenge you?