This Sunday, as we reflect on these readings, we're reminded of the importance of humility and how “weakness” figures into our spiritual journey.
In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel is sent to a rebellious people who are stubborn and obstinate of heart. Yet, despite their resistance, Ezekiel is called to proclaim God's message with courage and conviction. In doing so, he shows us that true power lies not in our own strength or accomplishments, but in God's grace.
In the second reading, St. Paul writes about his own struggles with a "thorn in the flesh" that was given to him to keep him humble. Despite begging God to take it away, Paul learned that God's power is made perfect in weakness. This is a powerful message for us today: that God can and does manifest himself through our weakness. In fact, just think of how powerfully inspiring many a humble person has been to you. They became “less” so that God’s presence could be made manifest. Think of the time Mother Teresa began sweeping the streets of New York and people saw her and were moved to join her and do the same thing because it was good and holy and spoke of initiative. This tiny little nun and her humble example were more influential than we know in many other more important ways, and she wielded a spiritual power far greater than any billionaire could—for the spirit of the world is folly compared to the spirit of God.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus returning to his hometown, where he's met with skepticism and resistance. The people are amazed by his wisdom and mighty deeds, but they're also quick to dismiss him as just a local carpenter. Jesus' response is telling: "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house." He couldn't perform any mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.
As followers of Jesus, we're called to emulate his example of humility and offering any weaknesses we may have to God’s care. We're not called to seek power or recognition for ourselves, but to point others to God's love and mercy. Just as Saint Francis of Assisi renounced his wealth and status to follow Christ more closely, we too are called to let go of our own desires for recognition and power.
During this summer season, when the sun’s tremendous heat seems to drain us somewhat, let us take the opportunity while we may be spending time indoors out of the hot weather, to reflect on our own weaknesses and limitations. Are we willing to let go of our need for control and recognition? Are we open to receiving God's grace and power in our weaknesses? Do we trust that God's power is made perfect in our vulnerability?
As Francis would say, "It is no small thing to be little." He even called his brotherhood Friars Minor, emphasizing the necessity of remaining humble, little, minor, in God’s presence.
May we learn to find our strength in choosing humility, and may we proclaim God's message with courage and conviction, just as Ezekiel, Mother Teresa and Saint Francis did.
The next time God sends you or permits a difficult, painful, or emotionally charged situation upon you in which you will have a choice to either deal with it the way the world expects you to deal with it, or to choose to deal with it the way God would like you to deal with it, choose humility, because this is how he will help make you stronger in this wonderful virtue… by giving you opportunities to practice it, over and over again.
In this way your faith will be purified as if through fire, and his word will not fall on dry, infertile ground. Rather, received by a
humble heart, his word will grow within you to produce some amazing and wonderful spiritual fruit which will give him great glory, and which will give you that kind of joy that this world cannot give.
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