Memorial of Saint Martin de Porres, Religious

“Christ Jesus…though he was in the form of God…humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even to death on a cross.” Saint Paul (Philippians) marks Jesus’ supreme act of humility.

Jesus tells us a story about humility (Luke’s Gospel): the poor, crippled, blind, lame, destitute, and homeless will be called to dine in God’s kingdom. Our Lord offers us so much more than “a great dinner”: “Take and eat for this is My Body,” and “Take and drink for this is the Cup of Salvation.”

Consider a parable for our time, from TV news, no less! Some networks feature a nightly news summary. One daily program often closes the broadcast with “There’s Good News Tonight!” A story last Summer featured parents and five children gathered around a table to celebrate a family birthday. The center of attention is a boy of six or seven years. In front of him is a luscious chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. With bright eyes and a big smile, he carefully cuts a nice-sized first piece, puts it on a plate, turns, and presents it to an older girl near him: “I am giving this first piece of my cake to my sister! She helps me every day with the work for my computer class!” Big sister accepts the cake and dissolves in tears.

The narration explains the family custom: when you cut your birthday cake, give the first piece to the family member who has helped you most in the previous year! What huge lessons in humility both youngsters learn! The “birthday boy”, on his big day, with the attention spotlight on him, chooses to turn that attention to another. Not only humility, but gratitude, honesty, and generosity too! The eleven-year-old opens herself to praise from a much younger kid with tears of humility and joy. “Selfless” is certainly the opposite of “selfish”!

Let Us Pray:

Dear God, help me to be meek and humble of heart. May my gratitude to you and all who bless me and guide me show forth in all I do. Amen.