Sun, 31 August ‘25
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29. Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24. Luke 14:1, 7-14
The Humble are Lifted Up
1. Humility is the Path to Wisdom
Scripture: Sirach teaches, “Conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts” (Sir 3:17). He reminds us that “the greater you are, the more you must humble yourself” (v. 18).
Church’s Teaching: The Catechism (CCC 2540) states that humility opens our hearts to God’s grace, while pride closes us in on ourselves.
Pastoral Application: In a world that prizes success and recognition, humility looks like weakness. But humility is strength—it makes us teachable, gentle, and wise. Do I measure my worth by achievements, or by how I serve with humility?
2. We Belong to a Heavenly Kingdom
Scripture: The Letter to the Hebrews contrasts Mount Sinai, where fear and trembling marked God’s presence, with Mount Zion, where we approach the living God through Jesus, “the mediator of a new covenant” (Heb 12:22–24).
Church’s Teaching: Vatican II (Lumen Gentium 9) reminds us that the Church is both earthly and heavenly, already united with the saints and angels.
Pastoral Application: Our gatherings are not mere human assemblies—we come to the liturgy as citizens of heaven. Worship becomes an act of humility: we bow before the God who draws us into His eternal covenant through Christ’s blood.
3. Humility Shown in Hospitality
Scripture: In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Lk 14:11). He calls us to invite not the rich and powerful, but the poor, crippled, lame, and blind—those who cannot repay us (vv. 12–14).
Church’s Teaching: Fratelli Tutti (no. 63) emphasizes that authentic love is shown in welcoming the vulnerable and giving without expecting return.
Pastoral Application: Humility becomes concrete in hospitality—serving those on the margins, giving without self-interest, opening our homes, time, and hearts to those who cannot repay us. That is where God’s blessing rests.
Conclusion
Sirach reminds us that humility is the root of wisdom. Hebrews reveals that in Christ we belong to a heavenly city. Jesus teaches that humility is lived in daily hospitality. To be exalted in God’s Kingdom, we must take the lowest place, welcome the least, and allow our lives to reflect the humility of Christ Himself.
In sum, Sirach teaches that humility is the path to wisdom, for the greater we are, the more we must humble ourselves. Hebrews reminds us that in Christ we belong to the heavenly Jerusalem, worshipping as citizens of God’s kingdom. Jesus shows that true greatness lies in taking the lowest place and serving with humility. He calls us to welcome the poor and vulnerable, giving without expecting return. In God’s Kingdom, the humble are lifted up and the generous are truly blessed.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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