“All their works are performed to be seen. . . . The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Jesus’ words to the crowds and the disciples resound to the present day. Self-aggrandizement and seeking places of honor is a reality today as much as it was then. To be honored means sustaining and placing the burden of expectation on others and invites hypocrisy. Jesus says, “Don’t go that way.” Instead, seek to humble yourself and don’t fall for the lie that you are to be called master.
From the first reading, Ezekiel describes the vision he sees as the angel leads him to the gate of the temple where God dwells among the children of Israel, that is, all people forever. Ezekiel, looking upon the place where the Lord dwells, says, “And I saw that the temple was filled with the glory of the LORD.” Help me understand, God, that honor is yours; that the works I perform are for you to see; and that it is not for myself but for you that I humble myself, that the glory in humbling myself is for your sake.
The day presses on, Lord, and I am drawn into accomplishing its various tasks. Stay with me today; stay within, and let the ones I meet throughout the day see you in me—whether in the way I smile or give selflessly of my time or in a loving embrace. Father in heaven, let the here and now of today be where you set the soles of your feet and dwell among your children.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.