Readings: Philippians 2:1-4, Ps. 131, Luke 14:12-14
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your interests, but to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
Have you noticed that food tastes differently when eaten alone? Do you sometimes ask yourself why the same amount of food, when shared with others, fills your stomach faster than when you eat alone? Hence, the saying goes: “When you want to walk FAST, walk ALONE, but if you want to walk FAR, then walk with SOMEBODY.”
- However, the great economist Adam Smith once said: “self-interest is the first law of nature.” As much as we know the importance of looking out for the interests of others over that of ours, in practice, we only think of others when we stand to gain something in return from them.
- Jesus went to the house of a leading Pharisee to eat. Still, upon noticing the calibre of people who had been invited, he said to his Host: “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid.
- “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
- Why is it difficult to invite poor people to our celebrations? Why is it difficult to give a helping hand to people who may never help us in the future? Christianity is not about living a normal life; it is about being a “super-human” - helping people who cannot or will not help you when you need them.
- Today, we are challenged to go out and be good. The world is a small village. We can make it a better place if we are committed to loving our neighbours as ourselves. As the scribe said to Jesus, “To love one’s neighbour as oneself - this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (Mark 12:33). Remember that a “neighbour” is anybody who needs your help. (cf. Luke 10:25-37)
- In today’s First Reading, St. Paul says to the Philippians, “Make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your interests but to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:1-4).
- Avoid selfishness. The world would be boring and lonely if you were the only one alive. You need friends. You also need enemies to challenge you. Never assume you are better than anyone else. You are only different from others and cannot survive without them. Be committed to solving others’ problems, and you will find solutions to your problems.
- Today, we remember St Charles Borromeo (1538 - 1584). Charles Borromeo was a leading figure of the Catholic Reformation. He was born in a castle on the shores of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy to a powerful family. He was related to the Medici through his mother. As the second son, he was destined for a career in the Church from an early age. He received a doctorate in civil and canon law at the University of Pavia, and when his uncle was elected Pope Pius IV in 1559, he was summoned to Rome and made a cardinal.
- In 1566, the Pope’s successor permitted Charles to reside in Milan. He began reform from the top, giving much of his property to the poor. He set up the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine to teach children the faith: it was the beginning and inspiration of the Sunday School movement. When famine struck the province, he fed 3,000 people at his own expense for three months and inspired others to do likewise. After enormous amounts of nagging, preaching and persuasion, the secular clergy at length followed his example. As expected, Charles encountered determined opposition to his reform programme. Charles died on 3 November 1584 at the age of 46.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, cleanse my heart from all forms of selfishness, knowingly and unknowingly. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop. Bible Study: Philippians 2:1-4, Ps. 131, Luke 14:12-14).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu