From the Gospel according to Matthew. Mt. 23:1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Phariseeshave taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
The Gospel of the Lord
My Humility Wins Your Heart
Jesus shows us a path that goes against the logic of the world: the path of humility, of serving quietly, of a heart that lowers itself out of love. In marriage, this is one of the keys to true unity: not trying to prove who’s right, but giving one’s life. Not forcing opinions, but offering one’s heart. So often between spouses we try to dominate, to have the last word, to show we know more, do more, or deserve more. But Jesus tells us in the Gospel that whoever exalts himself will be humbled. Not because God wants to humiliate us, but because pride always leaves us alone, while humility builds unity and makes love grow. In marriage, humbling oneself doesn’t mean losing it means winning your spouse’s heart. Pride shuts doors, humility opens them. Arrogance makes relationships hard, humility softens them. Christ teaches us that true greatness lies in being the first to love, to serve, to forgive.
Applied to Married Life:
Robert: Hey love. I bought a new TV. I didn’t like how the old one looked anymore.
Julie: But Robert, why didn’t you talk to me first? That’s a lot of money…
Robert: I know how to handle the money. I’m the one earning it. Or do you think we are doing badly?
Julie: This isn’t just yours. I need to feel part of the decisions in our home.
Robert: There you go, playing the victim again…
(A sad silence fills the house. Robert recalls the words of Jesus in the Eucharist: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”)
Robert: Julie, I’m sorry. I thought you’d make excuses not to buy it, so I justified myself saying that I earn the money and I went ahead and bought it. Forgive me for not valuing you and for putting my own judgment ahead of yours. Here, take my card, so that from now on, whatever I buy, I’ll have to check with you first.
Julie: Of course I forgive you. And I thank God, because He’s making a new husband out of you.
Robert: Sweetheart, I’m going to cook you a special dinner tonight, and afterward let’s pray the rosary together.
Mother,
Thank you for being the great example of humility, simplicity and embrace. Help us to respond like you, always choosing to be the smallest, never seeking recognition. Blessed and praised be the Lord!