The book of Sirach and the book of Hebrew both emphasizes on the virtue of Humility, Especially on our approach to God. Humility allows us to recognize our place in God’s presence and opens our heart to His grace. In the first reading from Sirach (3:17-18), we hear, “My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” The wisdom writer tells us that humility is not weakness but strength of character. True greatness is not measured by worldly status.
It is measured by the ability to submit one’s heart to God and to live with gentleness before others. The Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14) brings this wisdom into concrete practice. Jesus notices how guests at a banquet scramble for places of honor. In response, he gives them a parable to not exalt themselves, but take the lowest place, so that the host may invite you higher. This teaching is not just about social etiquette. It is about the eternal banquet of the Kingdom of God.
As Jeus concludes, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” The Church Fathers frequently returned to this truth. St. Augustine taught that the foundation of all virtue is humility. He wrote, “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” Similarly, St. John Chrysostom said, “Nothing is more powerful than humility, for it is invincible.” The Fathers understood that humility is the soil in which all other virtues grow, and without it, grace cannot take root.
The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that we are not gathered at Mount Sinai in fear, rather, at Mount Zion, where Christ is the mediator of a new covenant (Heb 12:22-24). This covenant is not earned by pride or by works. It is something received through humble faith. Grace flows where humility makes room. What, then, does this mean for us today? In a culture that prizes self-promotion, competition, and “climbing the ladder,” humility may appear unattractive.
Yet Christ shows us another way. Christ shows us the way of self-forgetfulness, service, and quiet trust in God. In family life, humility is expressed when we listen to others before insisting on our own opinions. When we admit our mistakes, we practice humility. When we choose to forgive quickly, we are humble. Families flourish not when one person dominates, but when each member serves the other. In the workplace and society, humility is practiced when we do good without seeking recognition. When we treat every person, whether director, CEO, or gateman, with the same dignity, we show humility.
When we use our gifts to uplift rather than overshadow others, we show humility. In faith and prayer, humility opens the door to grace when we approach God in prayer not as entitled, but as beggars before the throne of mercy. The humble soul, like the tax collector in Luke 18, will always prays, “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Such prayer pierces heaven. In service to the poor, Jesus specifically commands us to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind to our tables. Humility makes space for those who cannot repay us.
This is a direct invitation to charity. Humility serves not for applause or reciprocity, but because in the poor we meet Christ himself. Dear brothers and sisters, humility is not self-hatred nor passive resignation. It is truth lived in love. The recognition that all we are and all we have is God’s gift comes from a humble heart. May God grant us all the virtue of Humility now and always. Amen!
• Rev. Fr. Michael Ekoja, Assistant Parish Priest Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Aguda, Surulere.
