Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

FR. MICHAEL'S BIBLICAL IMAGERY: HUMILITY

(Fr. Michael Boakye Yeboah, Vice Rector: St Gregory Seminary, Kumasi-Ghana)

HUMILITY

The readings meant for our reflections on the 22^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) lay emphasis on HUMILITY. Within Christian context this term can be used well while at times it can be misused. It is well used within the context of imitation of Christ who though was in the form of God, humbled himself to become a slave while it can be misused when those in authority, call for their “Christian subjects” to be humbled in order for them to oppressively rule them without any opposition. What is the meaning of HUMILITY?

Humility is rendered in Hebrew and Greek languages as ‘anawah and tapeinos respectively. In antiquity these terms primarily denoted the low social status of those who have been humiliated or suffer oppression and who cry out to God for relief from their condition. The Hebrew verb ‘anawah occurs most frequently in the Psalms and Isaiah. Few biblical references require a person to humble himself/herself or be subservient to another human being. In two occurrences, humans are to be subservient to a person of greater power. In Genesis 16:9, the angel commands Hagar to submit to her mistress Sarai; in Sirach 4:7, the inspired writer maintains elite hierarchical society by requiring submission to a great man.

The authors of the Old Testament literature employ the verb ‘anawah not to indicate religious activity primarily. Its uses denote a wide range of personal, societal, and political experiences. These situations comprise temporary calamities, or permanent low social status in hierarchical societies controlled by wealthy imperial powers. Suffering often marks the experience of the “lowly” or “humble.” In Psalm 38:8 the psalmist is “crushed/humbled/humiliated” by disease. The verb also denotes military oppression.

The New Testament writers used the Greek “tapeinos” in a more positive way. Though Christ took the lower social status of a slave, it was seen more as a Christian virtue of honor than humiliation. It is within this beautiful Christian imagery that Christian authors paint humility. The readings place great premium on humility and makes it vital for living out the Christian faith. And, most authoritatively of all, the Lord Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel reading that “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). St Augustine of Hippo, echoing his Master’s voice, reminds us that “Pride changed angels into devils; humility makes men into angels.”

            Jesus chose a homely illustration to point an eternal truth. If a quite undistinguished guest arrived early at a feast and annexed the top place, and if a more distinguished person then arrived, and the man who had usurped the first place was told to step down, a most embarrassing situation resulted. If, on the other hand, a man deliberately slipped into the bottom place, and was then asked to occupy a more distinguished place, his humility gained him all the more honour.

Humility has always been one of the characteristics of the truly great. Humility has always been a highly prized virtue in numerous cultures of the world. The reason is quite simply that God himself sees things that way. The strongest testimony to that fact is perhaps what St Paul says about Christ, “who, being in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped. But he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, becoming as human beings are; and being in every way like a human being, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. And for this God raised him high, and gave him the name which is above all other names…” (Philippians 2:6-9).

            There are many stories and legends of the humility of St. Francis of Assisi. He is quoted to have said: “Let us begin to do good, for as yet we have done little.” St Francis spoke these words at a time when most people already considered him a saint. In his mind, there was no plateau in life where he could feel he had “made it” and could coast into heaven from then on. Stories of great men like St. Francis invites us to imitation for the Lord says His heart is drawn to a man of humility.

            Humility in no way suggests stupidity or celebrating mediocrity; neither does it mean an invitation to laziness.

            Two things, among many others, distinguish humility. The first is that it makes us give all glory and honour to God for whatever we are and whatever we may achieve. Humility makes us realise that without God we are nothing and we can do nothing, nothing good, that is (John 15:5). And so, however good we may be and whatever good we may achieve is entirely thanks to the grace of God. Humility will make us say so, and mean it; because some people say it without really meaning it. Secondly, humility prevents us from rating ourselves higher or better than others. It makes us realise that any number of people out there can be better and more accomplished than we are. And, as a matter of fact, that is always the case. If we look around us carefully, we will always find someone who is better and more accomplished than we are. Therefore, humility will ensure that we never allow any of our endowments or achievements to go to our head. If that is the kind of disposition we have, then we are humble. If not, we are proud.

That must be the reason why a writer called John Ruskin has said: “I believe that the first test of a truly great man is his humility.” And may I add, “the first test of a really stupid man is pride.” I would like to conclude this reflection with the first reading: “My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God…” May we learn from Jesus and be humble.