Serving With Humility and self-Awareness, reflection for 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
First Reading:Sirach 3:17-20,25-29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms65:4-5,6-7ab,10-11 (R. 11b)
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19,22-24a
Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1,7-14

Reflection Theme: Serving With Humility and self-Awareness

Brethren, it has been a week that we have had an opportunity to talk about the important figure of the church. On Thursday, we reflected on the life of st. Augustine and how we can best we can learn about his core message of hope and contemplation to all. From the life of st. Augustine, we are invited to understand that without God we are nothing in regardless of our stature and standing in the society. We are invited to serve with humility not by design but by both mind and soul.

Today we pick up from where we left on Thursday and talk about serving with Humility and self-Awareness. As we reflect on the scripture readings from Sirach 3:17-20,25-29, Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24ab and Luke 14:1,7-14, we are invited to explore message of being timeless and humble while being timely. We are challenged to cultivate humility,  priotize meaningful relationships and seek wisdom and understanding.

We live in a world that values power over selfless service, prestige over meekness and achievement over effort and that alone reminds us that we are not looking forward for the lords bouquette. The counter-narrative can be simply about serving others with humility and recognition of God above all things.

In the First Reading from the book of Sirach, Ben Sirach reminds us that performing tasks with humility earns love from those God accepts. He continues to tell us that in doing so, one would find favor with God. We are invited to be humble so as to discern the gift of manifestation from God. 

This reminds us about our personal lives in the world today where fame and riches have taken place of God instead helping us find God. Few weeks ago while we were discussing the Ignatian Spirituality, we touched one key element as Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam [for the Glory of God] and finding God in all things and actions. We reflected In 1 Samuel 3:9-10, Samuel responds to God’s Call, “speak, Lord, For your servant is listening.” when you listen to the God’s voice you will end up seeking his Presence in all aspects of life. And as Sirach 3;20 states, through that humility you will be glorified.

On the second part of our reflection about self awareness Sirach tells us that without Knowledge there can not be Wisdom as it is it is philosopher without is like a thinker without action. In the first reading we hear good counsel that reminds us about the consequences of stubbornness . Sirach says that stubborn mind will fare badly and whoever loves danger will perish.

Failure to have humility is a calamity and there is no healing for such a person. Sirach likens it to evil plant taken root in them. [cf Sirach 3:28].
That brings us to the second reading from the epistle to the Hebrews. The writer of the book Hebrews gives a link between the old and new covenant symbolizing their difference as to mount Sinai and Mount Zion. Like we have heard in the first reading, God chosen people are required to be humble seeking wisdom while abhorring pride. The epistle reminds us to approach God with humility recognizing the significance of reverence, trust and communion with Him through his beloved son our lord Jesus Christ.

Today’s Gospel readings is key message that we witness in world we live in the present time. In the beginning, we reflected, that ‘We live in a world that values power over selfless service, prestige over meekness and achievement over effort.’

Jesus Himself gave an example that attest to the above stated statement. People are concentrated much on position of authority rather than what the position can do to help people find God in their actions. Others over elevate themselves only to be humbled through humiliation.
By application of the insights we have reflected on we would continue to find favor before Our fellow men and God. Let our actions exhibit presence of God and love that makes us be charitable. Like we said on Thursday 28th august 2025, let your first answer not to be NO. We are children of the Father in Heaven and we can be worthy to him if we radiate his love to those close to us. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. As Jesus advised on the guests list, do not invite those who can repay your donation but those who can not afford to do it in future.

Today, we find ourselves having a benovalent practices that are not sincere and despite the teachings about community service. Lets us continue to pray and contemplate on the gifts we are given by the Holy Spirit. Let us give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ and our God. Amen

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