September 1, 2019 Sunday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time-C

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Psalm 68

Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24

Luke 14:1, 7-14

My child, conduct your affairs with humility… Sir. 3:17

“…the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Lk. 14:11

Lord, in many social and business deals I first want to see what’s in it for me.  What will I gain from this deal I’m entering into?   Will it be worth my time and will the price I pay not be wasted?   This comes from a “looking out for number one” attitude.   Today both Sirach and Luke teach lessons in humility.  Lord, as you well know, humility is a virtue that, for many, doesn’t come naturally.  Being humble in your sight is believing and acting like everything I have comes from you.  It means depending on you for everything.   All is pure gift.  To look at a crucifix and not see humility, I must be blind.  At the same time, you value me so much that you freely accepted the insults, the whips and the nails and the humiliation that went with them.   Help me not to think too highly of myself or my abilities especially in relation to others.   I want a realistic view of my talents and know when they are needed and when they are not.  Dear Jesus, when I come to your heavenly banquet I will have no problem taking the lowest place.   Amen.