“seek humility” (zep 2:3)
“...a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord.” —Zephaniah 3:12
In 2023, when this was written, the memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas occurred the day before this Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Thomas differed from those described in today’s readings. He was wise; “not many of [us] are wise” (1 Cor 1:26). He was the most brilliant of men, extremely well educated. Yet Thomas also resembled the people written about in today’s readings: humble, “poor in spirit” (Mt 5:3), dependent upon God.
Though Thomas wrote of the deepest theology, his humility shone through. Near the end of his life, Thomas saw a vision of God. He stopped writing, saying, “All my works are straw.” He then prepared to meet the Lord on Judgment Day (see Am 4:12), humbling himself before God. In this way, Thomas imitated Jesus, Who “humbled Himself,” living a simple life, hidden from the public eye for thirty years (Phil 2:8).
The wisdom of God is immeasurably far above our thoughts (Is 55:8-9). The very best humanity can produce is simply a drop in the ocean of God’s wisdom. “Mankind can do no boasting before God” (1 Cor 1:29). Yet humanity is filled with “proud braggarts” (Zep 3:11).
Be like St. Thomas. “Seek humility” (Zep 2:3). “Bow humbly under God’s mighty hand” (1 Pt 5:6) and use your God-given talents for the Lord.
Prayer: Father, in all things, may You increase and I decrease (Jn 3:30).
Promise: “Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill.” —Mt 5:6
Praise: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever” (Ps 118:1).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)
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