Homily: April 25, 2023, Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist (Humility)

 “Beloved: Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.”

Humility – such a simple word but probably the most difficult to practice. It goes against our pride and ego. And the moment we think we are humble, we have lost it.

As the river always flows towards the lower ground, so God's graces will also flow towards those who are humble of heart. The more we lower ourselves in humility, the more graces and blessings we receive. Mother Mary is the most humble woman, that is why she is full of grace.

The logic is simple, the humble persons empty their hearts of ego and pride, thus having room for God’s graces to pour in.

God wants to shower graces upon the arrogant ones too, but their hearts are so full of themselves, there is just no space for anything else. Thus they miss out on the precious graces of God.

Those who are truly humble do not consider themselves higher nor lower than anyone, they do not have less dignity but see their value from the eyes of God. And so, to them, everyone is valuable and precious to God.

They will always seek God, for they know they are nothing without God. They trust and rely on God’s providence and direction, thus they make decisions and work their day confidently, knowing God will lead and guide.

When they pray, they do not blabber along as if their intentions and needs are so important, but they keep still and listen intently to God speaking to their hearts, because to them, God’s voice, God’s intentions, God’s will are the most important. In this way, we can already imagine how their life will be protected from devouring lions of evil, not because they are never tempted, but because they follow God’s ways obediently.

Humble persons are obedient to God. Egoistic, arrogant persons think only of their own views, their thoughts, their ways, believing they are superior than others, even God. Thus, they question God’s will, His teachings, His plans. Nothing satisfies.

I have used ‘they’, because I am not a humble person, I am still far behind. I pray that God will break my ego, bend my stubbornness and strike my pride.

Yesterday I shared that the children I see at baptisms truly have the face of angels. Today, I tell you that truly humble people are those whom I meet in the confessional.

To confess is to acknowledge our sinfulness, to ask for forgiveness is to acknowledge the power and mercy of God, to accept absolution from the priest, representing Christ, is to acknowledge that God’s graces can clean our souls and help us start anew.

All these little actions can only come from a deep sense of humility. So, if you want to be clothed and grow in the virtue of humility, go to the confessional and receive the sacrament of reconciliation often. God bless you.