Readings and meditation on the Word of God on the 22nd Sunday in ordinary time, August 31, 2025

Delivered by Christine Gunawan from the Parish of Saint Joseph Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Pontianak and Yurike Gunawan from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Sirach 3: 17-18.20.28-29; Rs psalm 68: 4-5ac.6-7ab.10-11; Hebrews 12: 18-19.22-24a; Luke 14: 1.7-14. HUMILITY ACCORDING TO JESUS CHRIST The title for our meditation on this 22ndSunday in Ordinary Time is: Humility According to Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesusonce said: "Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart and yoursoul will find rest." (Matthew 11:29). This simple sentence touches on theessence of the Christian life, which is humility.  In today's Gospel reading Jesus gives an examplethrough parables of humility in taking a seat in the banquet hall, and when someoneinvites those who come to the banquet, the choice sould be the little ones,disabled, crippled and blind. The book of Sirach in the first reading advisesus to live in humility so that God's gifts are bestowed upon us and all ourlife. Humility does not mean being insecure or feelingworthless. To be humble means to place oneself on the truth of our faith: thatwe are only creatures, and that all we have is the grace of God. A humbleperson does not close himself with pride, but opens his heart to receive God'slove and share that love with others. Jesus himself became the supreme example. He is God,but willingly born in a simple manger. He is the Teacher, but he wants to washthe feet of His disciples. He is a King, but died on the cross for thesalvation of man. This is the pinnacle of humility that brings life to theworld. So by following the footsteps of the humble MasterJesus Christ, we benefit greatly for ourselves and our lives as well. The firstbenefit is that humility makes us at peace, because we don't constantly pursuethe praise of our fellow human beings around us. The next benefit is thathumility makes us open persons, who are willing to learn, and not ashamed toadmit our own mistakes, weaknesses and failures. Another benefit is that humility allows us to be closeto others, regardless of status, position, or work. The benefit that Goddesires is that by humility we become close and united in the Lord God, for Heis pleased with the little ones, the simple and the afflicted, and not with theproud. In today's world, humility is increasingly rare. Manypeople race to show themselves on social media, seeking recognition, pursuingsuccess and prestige. But in the midst of the hustle and bustle, the humbleperson becomes an oasis: he brings simplicity, sincerity, and soothing silence.Pope Francis, with his simple spirit of life, is still fresh in the memory ofall of us, that humility is urgently needed in today's world. Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord, teach usalways the humility that we need so much in today's world. Our Father who artin heaven... In the name of the Father ...