Readings: Ecclesiasticus 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Psalm 68; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24; Luke 14:1, 7-14
Grace and peace to you my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord. Today is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C.
In the First Reading, Sirach gives us a very direct counsel: “The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly, and then you will find favour with the Lord.” Truly, we could end the homily here and simply meditate on this single line.
In the Gospel, Jesus sees guests competing for places of honour. He transforms what looks like social advice into spiritual direction: “When you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place.” This is not false modesty. It is about forming the heart of a disciple: choose the lower place, prefer others, and seek the Father’s approval rather than the admiration of people. Then Jesus presses even deeper: when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, those who cannot repay you. The humble heart does not calculate returns. It loves as God loves, it sees as God sees.
This is the pattern of Christ Himself. Though He was in the form of God, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, obedient unto death. He did not cling to status, but chose the lowest place for us (Philippians 2). If we belong to Him, we must learn His way.
The Disease of Pride
Pride is a disease of the soul. It is subtle, deep, and affects all of us in varying degrees because of our wounded nature. Humility is godliness; it reflects the very character of God. Pride, however, is the mark of the devil. God entrusts His work to the humble, because the proud heart steals glory for itself. Yet pride often blinds us, leaving us unaware of how sick we really are.
Here are three tendencies we must guard against, for they reveal pride’s presence in our hearts:
A. The desire to sing our own praises.
The constant need to announce our achievements, to boast, to seek recognition or applause. Jesus, though divine, concealed His glory and lived only to glorify the Father. True greatness does not advertise itself.
B. The tendency to look down on others.
Jesus teaches that when you throw a banquet, invite the poor and the lowly. Pride judges, looks down, and dismisses, but God never looks down on anyone. The Psalmist tells us He prepares a home even for the poor.
C. The rejection of criticism or correction.
The proud heart cannot bear correction. It sees every challenge as an attack. This happens not only in daily life but also among ministers and Church workers. Yet none of us is perfect. To grow, we must be open to correction, new ideas, and the perspectives of others.
Examinations of Conscience
Whose praise do I truly seek – God’s or man’s?
How do I treat the least? Do I give my best energy to those who cannot repay me?
Am I open to correction or do I harden my heart when challenged?
A Word to families and ministries:
Humility must be lived and taught at home. At home, humility looks like quick apologies, honest acceptance of correction, and quick forgiveness. It sounds like please, thank you, and I am sorry.
In parish life, humility shows itself in collaboration, accountability, openness to correction, and joy when another ministry bears fruit. Where humility reigns, the Church becomes a place where people truly experience Christ.
Conclusion
If you feel convicted today, take courage. The first step down is the first step up. Ask God for the grace to see pride for what it is. Ask for the gift of the meek and humble Heart of Jesus.
Let us pray as we receive the Eucharist, that our hearts may be formed in humility, choosing the lower place, honouring the least, and living for God’s glory alone. Amen.
Sermon preached by Fr Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on August 31, 2025