FRIDAY, TWENTY THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22-27 Ps 84: 3-6, 12 Lk 6: 39-42
HUMILITY: GENUINE AND FALSE
A concept of spiritual progress, according to the Carmelite St. John of the Cross, is summarized in his drawing of The Mount. It shows three paths going up a mountain, with only the central one reaching the pinnacle. This path is that of nothingness, detachment and purity of spirit. The path on the right side consists of possession, joy, knowledge, consolation and rest in the goods of earth, and obviously lead us astray. However, the path to be more watchful of is the one to the left which consists of possession, joy, knowledge, consolation and rest in the ‘goods of heaven.’ The danger is of substituting our attachment to earthly things with attachment to so called “heavenly things.”
Jesus warns us of this kind of subtle attachments that arise in us along our spiritual journey. We begin to consider ourselves as God’s favourites, worthier and more knowledgeable than others and, possessing a certain moral and spiritual authority to correct others. We fail to recognize our self-proclaimed holiness as a form of pride. This spiritual pride is the principle governing the behaviour of the self-righteous Pharisee (Lk 18: 9-14) and the elder brother (Lk 15). Jesus beckons a purification from this form of hypocrisy. Only the truly humble – one who is fully trained under the humiliations and sufferings of the Cross and resembles the Master – can become an authentic spiritual guide.
The first reading throws light on one such humble teacher of the Church. Aware of his misdirected and indiscreet zeal for the law, his capacity for hatred and violence and, his unworthiness of preaching the Gospel, St. Paul openly admits that he cannot boast of his ministry. He sees it as not a reward for his faithfulness but a divine responsibility. Although a teacher, he does not demand honour and respect but performs his duty as a servant of the people. He has no personal agenda, but only a keen interest of the salvation of the other to share the joy of redemption that he has realized. Holy works, do of their very nature cause humility, says St John of the Cross.
Response: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!
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