Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Florante Camacho SVD – Holy Name University, Tagbilaran, Bohol
Saturday 30th Week in Ordinary Time
There is a Filipino acronym used to describe people who always want to be in the limelight: **KSP, Kulang sa Pansin! ** In today’s parable, Jesus reminds us that truly great people are usually humble, while those who think too highly of themselves constantly seek attention and recognition. KSP! Jesus tells us,“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
Humility is a tricky virtue, especially for us Filipinos, a people with a history of colonization. Sometimes we can be so self-effacing that it becomes almost ridiculous. How often do we hear Filipinos, when asked to lead, say,“Sino ba naman ako? Bakit ako?” (“Who am I? Why me?”) And yet, we know that such words do not necessarily mean that we are truly humble.
We can remain humble in our daily lives if we realize that everything we have and everything we are comes from God, including life itself. Saint Paul asks,“What do you possess that you have not received?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). We have to recognize that all is grace.
What we know is so little compared with the vast treasury of knowledge. What we have achieved, no matter how significant it may seem, becomes very little at the end of our lives. Life and work will continue even when we are no longer around. We are simply recipients and stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us.
Therefore, instead of seeking recognition, our daily prayer should simply be:
“Thank you, Lord, for your great love for me and for all the grace you have given me!”
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