Humility Isn't Easy

Jul 9: Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Humility is difficult in this age of instant communication, automated creation, intercontinental travel, and medical breakthroughs.

But we should remember that all of those are insignificant to the power of God, whose will can cure disease with w Word, or destroy entire nations at a stroke.

Reading 1 

Hos 8:4-7, 11-13

Thus says the LORD: They made kings in Israel, but not by my authority; they established princes, but without my approval. With their silver and gold they made idols for themselves, to their own destruction. Cast away your calf, O Samaria! my wrath is kindled against them; How long will they be unable to attain innocence in Israel? The work of an artisan, no god at all, Destined for the flames—such is the calf of Samaria!

When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind; The stalk of grain that forms no ear can yield no flour; Even if it could, strangers would swallow it.

When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin, his altars became occasions of sin. Though I write for him my many ordinances, they are considered as a stranger’s. Though they offer sacrifice, immolate flesh and eat it, the LORD is not pleased with them. He shall still remember their guilt and punish their sins; they shall return to Egypt.

"Reap the whirlwind" is a cool-sounding phrase, but what does it really mean? You actually have to read the whole verse for context.

"When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind." Sowing (planting) wind is foolish, and kinda impossible. Why would you do something like that? Worshiping false idols and bowing to kings not chosen by God—that's sowing wind.

It's a silly thing to do, but it's not harmless. Wasting our time will come back to haunt us.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 115:3-4, 5-6, 7ab-8, 9-10

R. (9a) The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.
Our God is in heaven;
whatever he wills, he does.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the handiwork of men.
R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.
They have mouths but speak not;
they have eyes but see not;
They have ears but hear not;
they have noses but smell not.
R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.
They have hands but feel not;
they have feet but walk not.
Their makers shall be like them,
everyone that trusts in them.
R. The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.

We can make imitations of creatures. We can even make imitations of “gods.” What we can't do is create life. God does allow humans to participate in growing and fostering life, but we are not in charge of creating it or designing it.

An artist sculpting a statue can be a great thing, a beautiful thing. In the best cases, it can draw the audience closer to God, the true creator.

But we should never mistake the work of our hands for the power of His.

Alleluia

Jn 10:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus knows us, and wants us to respond in kind. Not recognizing Jesus in our lives means we won’t benefit from the graces He offers.

Gospel

Mt 9:32-38

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."

But the Pharisees said, "He drives out demons by the prince of demons."

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest."

The crowds are amazed by Jesus’ miracles. Not the Pharisees. They actually see Jesus cast out a demon, and somehow conclude he must be the prince of demons.

Jesus isn’t confused, He’s moved with pity. He want to help the crowds; He even would like to help the Pharisees, if only they’d listen.

But they lack the humility to admit they were wrong, even when the proof is in front of their face. The same can happen with us, as well.