God: The foundation of all that is good

"You will not become wise in your own estimation." Rom 11:25

"The one who humbles himself will be exalted." Lk 14:11

Pride is a terrible burden that we all carry. Inane and foolish arguments often begin with pride and separate us from one another and from the body of Christ. Men seem more prone to these kinds of destructive arguments than women, but no matter who begins the debate, it is pride that does not let us stop. Winning at games, in business and politics, and in relationships has become so important in our society that we often find ourselves unable to remember the issue about which we argued, but we all know the tightness in our stomachs and the headaches we've endured either because we began something we could not stop or were the object of another’s cruelty.

St. Paul works very hard in today's selection from Roman's to remind us that Jesus was not in competition with the leaders of the Jewish community. Neither is he trying to supplant the Torah nor undermine the authority of the Pharisees. Rather, he acts in such a way that any reasonable witness will be drawn to a fuller investigation of his deeds and claims. Unfortunately, the leaders of the Jewish community see him as a rival rather than a reformer and prophet. Their pride makes it impossible for them to engage in an honest conversation with Jesus. He is threatening their tenuous political power, and he must be stopped.

Luke's gospel addresses this same issue. The Pharisees feel entitled to the seats and positions of importance in civil affairs and at weddings. They enter a banquet hall or a home and expect deference. More important, they regularly dismiss others who are merely servants and often don't view them as persons, but slaves who are the property of other important leaders. There was no arguing with them or their interpretations of the law without serious consequences. Their pride and fear made them blind to everyday people yearning for redemption.

The scriptures today present us with a clear choice. Remember who we are, acknowledge God's sovereignty and stop berating others, or be judged harshly by God for our arrogance and pride. In order to accept life as it is we need to pray for a humility that is not self demeaning, but praises God in all things, especially for the gifts God has given us for the good of all and the building of God's reign.

Today, ask for the gift of humility that celebrates the wonder of God's life in every person and all creation.