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Christ: Humble Master of the Humble

Homily of the Day
September 4th, 2012
My Catholic

Tuesday, September 4, 2012 by Food for Thought

FirstReading: 1 Cor 2:10b-16
Psalm: Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14
Gospel: Lk 4:31-37

Which kind of master do we want? As paradoxical as it may seem, Jesus has shown us that true authority is inextricably linked to the virtue of humility. He taught us: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart”. Humility is the path to holiness. For us, this means submit ting ourselves to God’s will, recognizing our own weakness, and leading through love. True humility is our greatest defense against the devil. We can do nothing for God, and hence nothing of lasting good for others, unless we acquire this virtue with the help of his grace, particularly in the Sacraments. Pride, on the contrary, leads to violence and hate, which makes us like the devil and eventually grants us a share in his fate, namely eternal separation from God. Right now, on which side of the divide do we stand?

Let us make the effort to bring God’s word and strength to others by living in a way consistent with the truths of our faith.

One Bread, One Body

<< Tuesday, September 4, 2012 >>

1 Corinthians 2:10-16
View Readings

Psalm 145:8-14

Luke 4:31-37

THE SCHOOL OF THE SPIRIT

"The natural man does not accept what is taught by the Spirit of God." —1 Corinthians 2:14

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher (see 1 Jn 2:27). He instructs us in everything and reminds us of all that Jesus taught us (Jn 14:26). "The Spirit scrutinizes all matters, even the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:10). "No one knows what lies at the depths of God but the Spirit of God" (1 Cor 2:11). Moreover, the Spirit helps "us to recognize the gifts He has given us" (1 Cor 2:12). He even teaches us the words in which to speak of these gifts, "thus interpreting spiritual things in spiritual terms" (1 Cor 2:13). This results in our coming to have the heart of the Father, the mind of Christ (see 1 Cor 2:16), and the words of the Spirit (see Mt 10:20). In summary, the Spirit teaches us God's depths, our gifts, and even our spiritual vocabulary.

At this time of year, many people go to school. Some decide to go; others are forced. However, the Spirit does not force us to go to His school. We can refuse by not accepting Jesus, Who baptizes us in the Spirit (Mk 1:8). We can stifle the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19) by choosing the desires of the flesh rather than those of the Spirit (Gal 5:17). Let's drop out of the school of the flesh and enroll in the school of the Spirit. Jesus is the Way (see Jn 14:6) to do this. Accept Him as your Savior, Lord, and God, and ask Him to baptize you in the Holy Spirit. Then "live by the Spirit" and "follow the Spirit's lead" (Gal 5:25).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide me to all truth (Jn 16:13).

Promise: "He commands the unclean spirits with authority and power, and they leave." —Lk 4:36

Praise: Although her brothers and sisters advised her to get out, Martha stayed in her marriage and prayed for her often-drunk husband. God answered Martha's prayers and he was converted.