Homily – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus uses the occasion of a meal – where many important guests are invited to dine – to speak about humility. The host is a leading member of the Pharisees, an influential group at the time. As with any gathering, especially political ones, etiquette and rules are observed when it comes to seating arrangements. Many will opt for a lower seat. In other words, many are humble out of necessity because they do not want to be humiliated.

At a wedding I attended many years ago, a guest made a complaint to the organisers and demanded that she be seated next to some people who were quite well-known in their social circles. She thought she was part of such class! To be left out was an insult! Unbelievable – but such things do happen in life!

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted. 

The origins of words are interesting and revealing. The word humility in the modern context doesn’t mean much. Ancient languages like Latin – from which many modern-day languages are derived – have the word humus, meaning “earth’ or “ground”. The “earth” reminds us of our origins. God formed us from the earth. Being humble is being true to ourselves.

From seating arrangements to talk about humility, Jesus goes on to talk about who should be on the guest list. The guest list speaks volumes about the host’s generosity. Generosity is not a transaction. It is not motivated by a need to seek something in return, nor is it about returning a favour. Generosity comes from our free will to act in such a way. When we are pressured to be generous, it loses its meaning and purpose.

‘When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.’

By Fr Hoang Dinh