By Philip Raj csc.
Readings: Rom 11:1-2, 11-12, 25-29; Lk 1: 7-11
The readings of the day encourage us to be humble before God and others. St. Paul, in the first reading, affirms that God has not rejected his people. He chose the Israelites among many nations not because of their righteousness or based on their number, but because of his promise to Abraham, their ancestor.
In the gospel reading Jesus asks us to humble ourselves to become great before the eyes of God. Pharisees thought that by following the laws in a strict manner they would become righteous and can please God, but it was not the case. They followed the laws only to show people that they are holy and upright. They were righteous in the eyes of people, but not in the eyes of God.
According to Thomas Merton pride makes us artificial, and humility makes us real. It is a human tendency to feel proud and to speak about achievements and successes and if we let it go to the extreme level, we will come across as boastful. St. Paul tells us, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others better than yourselves” (Phil 2:4). It is not because of our merit but purely because of his love and mercy towards us that we are chosen by God to be his children. When we recognize God’s presence in our lives and humble ourselves before him, we become living witnesses for Christ.