The WORD in other words (2014) by Father Raul Caga SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – A
Today’s Gospel offers two important lessons.
The first concerns obedience, not merely as a moral obligation but as a Christian virtue. Obedience understood only as an obligation sees commandments and responsibilities as burdens imposed from outside. Obedience as a virtue, however, sees them as opportunities to grow, to listen, and to place oneself freely at the service of another whose authority is acknowledged with reverence and trust. Such obedience is not blind submission but a loving response rooted in faith. It cultivates humility and openness to God, much like Christ’s own act of self-emptying described in today’s second reading.
The second lesson concerns the fate of many among the Chosen People, to whom God’s plan of salvation was first entrusted. Because they were unwilling to reconsider their expectations about the Messiah and the manner in which He would come, many failed to recognize Jesus as the promised Savior. Their hearts were closed to a Messiah who came not in power and glory but in humility and service. As a result, the Good News was welcomed with joy not only by the Jews who believed but also by the Gentiles and sinners who were open to God’s grace.
At the root of this blindness was pride. They were so attached to their own understanding that they could not recognize God’s action before their very eyes. We can easily fall into the same trap whenever we insist that our opinions alone are right, even when their consequences prove harmful. Pride closes the heart; humility opens it to truth.
For this reason, St. Paul presents Christ as the perfect model:
“Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness” (Philippians 2:5-7).
This unparalleled humility brought life rather than death, forgiveness rather than resentment, salvation rather than condemnation. Because Christ humbled Himself, humanity was lifted up.
A story illustrates this truth.
A young man who had been raised as an atheist was training to become an Olympic diver. The only religious influence in his life came from an outspoken Christian friend whose advice he largely ignored.
One evening, he went alone to the indoor pool at his college. Climbing to the highest diving platform, he stood at the edge with his back toward the water and extended his arms. As he did so, he noticed the shadow of his body on the wall below, forming the shape of a cross.
Suddenly, he felt moved to pray. Instead of diving, he knelt and, for the first time, sincerely asked God to enter his life. Moments later, a maintenance worker entered and switched on the lights. To his astonishment, the swimmer discovered that the pool had been drained for repairs.
His life was saved because he paused long enough to listen. His humility in responding to what he perceived as God’s invitation prevented a fatal accident.
The Gospel invites us to cultivate that same humility. It teaches us that God often reveals Himself in unexpected ways and through unexpected people. Those who are proud may overlook His presence, but those who are humble recognize His voice.
May we therefore imitate Christ in His humility and self-emptying. May we be open to God’s surprises, willing to reconsider our assumptions, and ready to obey His will. For it is often in humility that we discover the path that leads to life.
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach us Your humility and obedience. Free us from pride, stubbornness, and self-sufficiency. Open our hearts to recognize Your presence and Your will in our lives. May we be willing to listen, to learn, and to follow wherever You lead. Help us to imitate Your self-emptying love so that we may become instruments of life, forgiveness, and hope for others. Amen.
