Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel, Jesus presents a child as an example for our growth. He invites us to become humble like a child. Summertime and the transition into the new school year is a wonderful time to appreciate the excitement of children at play. Their freedom and openness to explore and create, and their honesty in sharing their feelings and perspectives are great wisdom teachers.
The root meaning of humility comes from the Latin humilis - low, lowly, earth. It means not being self-important, vain or proud, but entrusting ourselves to God, being respectful and in right-relationships with others. Humility means being who we are - no more and no less - and viewing all we have as gifts to be shared. Spiritually, the virtue of humility invites us to self-awareness, and personal reflection, so that we can recognize our limitations. We are invited to be open to others’ perspectives and contributions, their feedback and learning from our mistakes. Rather than focusing on ourselves, we are invited to build collaborative community with others, to deepen our empathy and compassion, all the while being gentle with ourselves and others.
The concept of guardian angels companioning children is also conveyed in the gospel, as Jesus speaks of ‘their angels’ looking upon the face of God. These images take me back to my own childhood days at church when I comfortably snuggled into my parents arms. During long homilies and prayers, I gazed on the images on the tall ceilings and walls around the altars. In my littleness, the angels were always a comforting warm presence. To this day, they draw my eyes, especially when in large basilicas and older churches that feature them. Such encounters are a reminder that each of us is a small and important part of the entire church community that God is recreating.
What are some practical ways for growing in humility?
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Take time each morning and evening to express gratitude and appreciation for the blessings and gifts that come each day. Recognize that all is from God.
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Be aware of your feelings, acknowledge them, and be thoughtful in how you respond from them, praying for God’s guidance.
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Review your day’s events, and ask forgiveness and help for moments when you failed in living humbly.
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Channel pride and selfishness into caring for others, and care for your own ‘inner child’ when you experience hurts. As soil humus - dark earth, (which shares its roots with humility) is created from decomposition of organic matter of leaves and other debris, we can ‘compost our feelings’ to support new growth.
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Express appreciation for others’ gifts and talents and parts in our life, and consider how you can call them forth.
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Take time to observe children at play and their qualities. Invite their angels and the Spirit to teach you! How might they be part of your growth in humility?
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Call on the assistance of your own guardian angel, as expressed in this long-cherished prayer:
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI