20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Homily

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 17, 2025

An arrogant lion, convinced of his position as the all-powerful ruler of the jungle, swaggered from animal to animal, snarling, "Who is the King of the Jungle?" Trembling with fear, one-by-one, the antelope, the monkey and the tiger each affirmed his title. But when he posed the question to the elephant, the elephant simply grabbed him with its trunk, tossed him around like a rag doll, and threw him into the lake. Dazed and dripping, the lion crawled out of the water, and whimpered to the elephant, "Hey! Just because you don't know the answer, you don’t have to be so mean!"

What do we know about humility? The world today is all about materialism and status; humility is considered a weakness. But true humility is the quality of having a modest view of our own importance; it's not about thinking less of ourselves but rather thinking of ourselves less and focusing on what is truly important. It involves honestly recognizing our own limitations, acknowledging the primacy of God, and sincerely considering the viewpoints of others; being open to learning and growth. It’s not about self-deprecation or weakness, but rather an accurate understanding of who we are; we are not God, we are children of God, the all-powerful, all-loving, all-merciful, and we are made in His image and likeness.

So, how do we embrace humility as a path to unity and peace, instead of pride?

In the first reading (Jer 38:4-6, 8-10), the prophet embodies humility through his unwavering commitment to God’s truth, even at great personal cost. Jeremiah’s message of repentance and surrender to God’s will was unpopular, leading to rejection and suffering, a fate he accepted. Thrown into a well, he faced humiliation and abandonment. Yet, Jeremiah’s humility was not weakness; it was strength rooted in trust in God. He spoke God’s word faithfully, leaving the rest to God.

Are we capable of enduring abuse to remain faithful? Can we stay the course when temped with worldly comforts or confronted with ridicule or rejection? I know I can stand here confidently and say, ‘yes, I can.’ But can I really when provoked or faced with real-world consequences? Just ask those other drivers I encounter on the road. Sometimes I just can’t keep my mouth shut. Ask my wife. I’m only human. Msgr. Kemo in his homily last week stated that the most common confession he hears is road rage. His solution? Prayer! More about prayer in a minute.

The second reading (Heb 12:1-4) urges us to “persevere in running the race” with our eyes fixed on Jesus, “the leader and perfecter of faith.” Jesus endured the cross and suffered its shame. He is the ultimate example of humility. He Is God! But He did not cling to divine privilege but ‘emptied himself, taking the form of a slave’ (Phil 2:7b). St. Paul calls us to set aside the weight of sin, especially the sin of pride. Pride seeks to elevate self above others, which fosters division and strife. Humility unburdens us by trusting in God’s grace and seeking the good of others.

Again, I can confidently stand here and say I trust in God’s grace and truly seek the good of others. But what about when someone disrespects me or when I judge someone based on my opinion of how things should be. Sometimes it’s hard to remember God is in charge when I know I’m right. It’s hard to let go of those jabs and cuts when it may affect how others see me. My pride all too often gets in the way. That’s when I need to step back and remember who I am, who we all are – members of the family of God; Body of Christ.

In today’s Gospel (Lk 12:49), the words of Jesus are unsettling: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” He warns that his mission will bring division, even within families. At first glance, this seems at odds with humility, which we associate with peace and unity. But Jesus reveals a deeper reality: true humility demands a radical commitment to God’s will, especially when it challenges our limited human understanding. Jesus’ fire is the purifying fire of truth and love, which burns away pride and self-centeredness. To follow Him demands humility, to acknowledge that God’s ways are not our ways and to submit to his will, even when it leads to disagreements and conflict. We don’t always know God’s way, but we must trust. As Christians, we are called to a higher standard. Jesus teaches us that the greatest among us is the one who serves (Lk 22:26). Humility is the foundation of service.

Humility is the position of a heart turned toward God and neighbor. In a world that often rewards self-promotion, humility feels countercultural, even risky. Social media amplifies voices that shout for attention, and our society all too often rewards that noise.

Consider the divisions we see today, within families, communities, and even the Church. So often, these arise from pride: the need to be right, to control, or to assert our own way. Humility invites us to listen, to seek understanding, and to value others. It asks us to admit when we are wrong, to forgive when we are hurt, and to trust God when the path is uncertain. Like Jeremiah, we may face rejection for standing with truth. Like Jesus, we may endure suffering for love’s sake. But in humility, we are assured that God is at work, even when we find ourselves rejected, abused, thrown into a well.

Practically speaking, how do we cultivate humility? First, we turn to prayer. How often do I stop in the middle of a crisis and ask for divine assistance? Not as often as I need. In the silence of prayer, we encounter God’s greatness and our own smallness, not in a way that diminishes us but in a way that frees us to trust in His love. Second, we practice gratitude, recognizing that everything that happens is a gift from God. Remember Bishop Iffert’s pontifical moto: In All Things, Give Thanks! Third, we serve others, especially those who cannot repay us, as Jesus did when he died on the cross. How often do I see an opportunity to help someone only to pass by because I decide my time is best spent on me. Finally, we seek reconciliation, letting go of grudges and building bridges where division exists. Remember, we are called to leave our gifts at the altar to reconcile with a brother or sister.

In a few moments, we will gather around this Eucharistic table, we will see humility embodied in the true presence of Christ, who gives himself completely and freely for us. The Eucharist is the sacrament of humility; God becoming small, hidden in the appearances of our gift of simple bread and wine, to dwell within us. We must receive him with that same humility, asking for the grace to live as he did: not to be served, but to serve, and to give our lives for others. It is then that we will truly be free and united in the Body of Christ, anticipating that glorious banquet with 

all the angels and saints.