22C Sunday homily (31 August 2025) Be humble

 

22C Sunday Homily, Luke 14: 1, 7-14, August 31, 2025

By Fr. Vincent Corbelli, MM

 

1) STORY

There was a humble fisherman who earned a living by rowing people across a small river.  One day a proud philosopher asked to be taken over to the other side of the river.  During the trip the philosopher asked the fisherman if he knew how the sun, moon and stars worked.  The fisherman said no but knew that God made them and controlled them.  The philosopher sighed and lamented that the fisherman wasted a fourth of his life.  The philosopher then asked the fisherman if he knew about the life of their king.  He again replied no, but he knew that kings come and go and the real ruler of the world was God.  The philosopher said the fisherman had wasted half of his life.  Finally, the philosopher asked the fisherman if he knew the nature and whereabouts of God.  Again, he answered no but knew that God created, loved and cared for him.  The philosopher said that the fisherman had wasted two-thirds of his life.  Just then a storm approached and the philosopher’s face turned pale.  The fisherman asked him if he knew how to swim.  He replied no. T he fisherman sadly said the philosopher wasted his whole life.  This story helps to understand the proud man and the humble man.

 

2) GOSPEL, Luke 14:1, 7-14

A) The proud guest chose the place of honor at the meal only to be told to sit in a lower place as a more distinguished guest had arrived.  He was embarrassed.  One who exalts himself will be humbled.

B) The humble guest selected the least position and was invited to sit in a higher place.  He was honored.  The one who humbles himself will be exalted.

 

3) APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) The proud person thinks that he is better than others.  He has better education, better job and a bigger salary.  There is no need to improve.  He knows everything so he does not listen to the advice of others.

B) The humble person knows that he has good and bad qualities.  He looks to Jesus as his model, following him in helping, caring and encouraging others.  He must keep improving.  The humble person knows his knowledge is limited.  He must listen to Jesus, who is our teacher.  He knows that he must grow in wisdom.

 

4) CONCLUSION

Jesus wishes us to be humble so that we can become holier and wiser, thus becoming happier and more at peace.