22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: THE POWER OF THE LOWEST PLACE: REDISCOVERING THE BEAUTY OF HUMILITY

The Three Faces of Humility

Jesus addresses this parable at the banquet with emphasis on humility and repayment—two seemingly unrelated concepts that converge in the spiritual life. What connects humility and repayment during parties or events? The answer is that we are exposed to three essential ways to view humility:

- Toward God: reverence and recognition of divine greatness. Awareness of human limitations.

- Toward others: kindness, deference, and empathy. Placing others before us.

- Toward oneself: honest self-awareness and ego restraint.

Sirach exhorts: “Humble yourself the more, the greater you are.” This reveals a paradox of grace. True greatness bows low before God and others.

An Embarrassing Vestment: A Lesson in Status

I recall an experience with a diaconate ordination in Baltimore in 2021. I was asked to help with vesting one of the newly ordained deacons after their ordination. Before the mass, we had to vest in the same room as the bishops. The MCs had laid out all vestments on the table for the bishops and some of the monsignors, whereas the priest’s vestments lay on the other side, though in the same room. I stormed in and went straight to grab a vestment belonging to one of the bishops. The auxiliary bishop arrived and could not get a vestment. I was comfortably standing at a distance and ignorantly waiting for the procession to begin when the MC approached me to remind me that I was putting on the bishop’s vestment. It was a bit embarrassing, but we made a joke out of it. The bishop himself was very nice.

The homilist’s personal experience during a diaconate ordination becomes a living metaphor for Jesus’ words: “Give your place to this man… and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place.” This is not just etiquette—it’s spiritual formation. Jesus is not condemning status; He is cautioning against self-promotion. Honor should be received, not seized.

Why is Humility Loved More Than Generosity?

Sirach makes a striking comparison: the humble are more beloved than the generous. Why? Because humility touches the soul, not just the hands. Gifts may be appreciated, but humility wins hearts through quiet service, sincerity, and unpretentiousness. Humility has a natural power of attraction. People may love you for what you give in times of need.

Who’s on Your Guest List?

Jesus challenges social norms: “When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” This radical hospitality subverts the culture of reciprocity and self-benefit. It exposes our comfort-driven, image-conscious tendencies and replaces them with gospel-driven generosity. Can you imagine planning a wedding and inviting only the poor and homeless? Jesus wants us to review our outlook in relation to the less privileged.

Humility is Not Weakness—It Is Inner Strength

Far from passive, humility is the strength to let go of ego, vengeance, and self-centeredness. It is the courage to be corrected, to forgive, to wait, and to serve unseen. Scripture affirms: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) The Blessed Mother Mary rejoices that “He has cast down the mighty… and exalted the lowly.”

Saints Who Embodied Humility

St. John Vianney teaches us that humility involves neither self-hatred nor self-flattery but accurate self-knowledge. St. Thérèse of Lisieux models “littleness”—the joyful acceptance of one's dependence on God. Christ Himself invites: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.” Let us pray, “Jesus, meek and humble of heart. Make our hearts like yours.” Amen.

Readings: Sirach 3:17–18, 20, 28–29 | Hebrews 12:18–19, 22–24 | Luke 14:1, 7–14

Reflection Questions

1. In what areas of my life am I seeking recognition or status, rather than allowing God to lift me up in His own time? (Am I content with the “lowest place” if that’s where Christ is found?)

2. Do I embrace humility in my relationships—with God, others, and myself—or does pride often get in the way of peace and reconciliation? (What is one relationship that could be healed through humility?)

3. How can I be more intentional about inviting and caring for those who cannot repay me—those often overlooked or excluded? (What does “radical hospitality” look like in my home, workplace, or parish?)