Dear friends in Christ

The virtue that runs through the scripture readings of the Mass this weekend is humility. It the basis for all of the other good habits of the Christian life. Jesus notices in the Gospel how those invited to a banquet took the seats of honour, so He uses a parable to teach them the importance of being humble. This parable reminds us of the need to know our place, to avoid being blinded by ambition and letting life become a frantic pursuit of ever greater goals, for which in many cases we are unqualified and can lead to our humiliation. Ambition is one of the forms of pride, and usually causes a deep dissatisfaction within us. Why do you look for the first places? Why do you want to be above others? Asks St John Chrysostom, and St Francis de Sales says: the lively consideration of graces received makes us humble, because a knowledge of them excites gratitude. The virtue of humility has nothing to do with being timid, shy or mediocre. It causes us to be fully aware of the talents God has granted us, and without losing a right intention, wants to make them more fruitful in our lives. Humility counteracts the tendency to boast about our achievements and of thinking we are the best and most wonderful. It leads us to a wise moderation and to direct to God the desires of glory which are hidden in every human heart. So, humility gives consistency to all the other virtues. In a particular way, the humble person respects others, their opinions and their things, and possesses a special strength, because he or she relies constantly on the goodness and greatness of God. As we listen and assimilate the readings of the Mass this Sunday, we ask for the grace to know ourselves, as we truly are before God, and live humbly in His presence before the eyes of the world.

God bless you all!

Msgr Kevin Hale