Encountering God and World in Scriptures

Reading
“Make your own the mind of Christ Jesus:Who, being in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped.But he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming as human beings are; and being in every way like a human being,he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross.And for this God raised him high, and gave him the name which is above all other names” (Phil. 2:5-9).

Reflection
Practice of humility is the one and only way to get the mind of Jesus Christ. Humility is lowliness of mind. It is complete freedom from pride. A right use of reasoning on our relationship with God, ourselves and our fellow beings will make us humble. Such honest reasoning helps us to realize our finitude, and recall our mistakes, seek forgiveness, and set everything straight. Another way of learning humility is accepting humilations. Forty-years of wandering in the wilderness was a humbling experience for Israel. At the present Corona moment, the whole world is undergoing a forced humbling. But, it is up to each one of us to accept the humbling discipline. In any case, there is nothing more pleasing to God than a humble heart. As St. James reminds us, “God opposes the proud but he accords his favour to the humble” (Jas. 4:6). Even those who have done horrible things in their past life will receive God’s mercy provided they humble themselves before God. Recall the experience of King Manasseh. A person who humbles oneself before God will be guided by God’s Spirit, whereas a person who doesn’t give in to God will be misguided by evil thoughts. Compare and contrast the lessons from the lives of Ezra and King Uzziah (Ezr 8; 2Chr 26). Or, look at the eventful life of King David. David underwent many life-threatening challenges from all sides. But, each time he felt challenged by his own conscience (2 Sam 24: 10), others (1 Sam 26: 9-23; 2Sam 16:5-13), or God (2Sam 12:9-23), he promptly humbled himself. Therefore, in all instances he was restored to God’s favour. Why does God show mercy towards the humble? God’s acts of mercy in the history of salvation tell us that humility is an essential quality of God. The Psalmist proclaims: “Who is like Yahweh our God? His throne is set on high, but he stoops to look down on heaven and earth.He raises the poor from the dust, he lifts the needy from the dunghill,to give them a place among princes, among princes of his people.He lets the barren woman be seated at home, the happy mother of sons” (Ps. 113:5-9). Jesus not only gives us an exemplary example of a humble servant of God but also stats categorically, “anyone who raises himself up will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be raised up” (Mat. 23:12). Even at the end of times, Jesus Christ is going to humble himself: “When everything has been subjected to him, then the Son himself will be subjected to the One who has subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28). Humility is the skin of truth.

Prayer 
Jesus, our Lord and Teacher, you taught us some simple, plain lessons. One of the basic lessons you graciously taught us is humility. You told us: “learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Mat 11:29). Saint Peter reminded us emphatically your core message: “Humility towards one another must be the garment you all wear constantly, because God opposes the proud but accords his favour to the humble.Bow down, then, before the power of God now, so that he may raise you up in due time” (1 Pet. 5:5-6). Lord, breathe into us the Spirit of truth so that we become truly humble.

Contemplation
Dwell on the truth that God is humble.

Action 
Practice humility by (i) asking forgiveness for your mistakes, (ii) patiently suffering humiliations, and (iii) choosing to remain unknown and hidden.