Today’s first reading and Gospel focus our reflections on humility.  They also remind us of that popular biblical passage from the prophet Micah (6:8): “This is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Many people may have a mistaken notion about “Christian humility.”  It is not centered on thinking low of yourself or even denying your true worth, gifts, and talents.  We readily accept that we are weak and sinful individuals, yet we always remain beloved creatures fashioned in God’s own image (Gn 1:26-27).  Authentic humility is based on the recognition and thankful awareness that the virtues we have all originate in God’s love and grace.  In addition, even if we fall into sin, authentic humility requires us to honestly acknowledge our faults and accept our need for God’s forgiveness.

Mary as Model.  Christians can look to Mary as a shining example of humility, for even when she is told by the angel that she had been chosen to be the Mother of the Messiah, the very Son of God, she referred to herself as the mere “handmaid of the Lord” (Lk 1:38).  It is noteworthy that the word “handmaid” in the original New Testament Greek is: doula, which literally means “servant/slave.”  Such was Mary’s humility; she put her life totally at God’s disposal.

Mary’s humility shines out further as she gives all glory and praise to God for the privileges she has received.  She declares in her Magnificat (Lk 1:46-49): “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my savior; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid [slave].” 

Reflection of John Paul II.  In his homily for the fiftieth anniversary of Pope Pius XII’s definition of the dogma of Mary’s assumption into heaven (November 1, 1950-2000), Saint John Paul II noted that in her Magnificat “Mary shows what constituted the foundation of her holiness: deep humility….  Before the mystery of grace, the experience of a particular presence of God who has rested his gaze upon her, Mary feels a natural impulse of humility….  It is the reaction of someone who is fully aware of her own littleness before the greatness of God.”

The Pope continues: “This humility of spirit, this complete submission in faith, is particularly expressed in her ‘fiat’: ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.’”  Truly, “the greatness of the gift corresponds to the depth of humility.”

Conclusion.  In its most profound and most beautiful sense, humility simply means to strive to be like Jesus, Mary, the saints, and many other ordinary Christians that we personally know.  We seek to imitate Jesus, who said: “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29).  Humility invites us to be like Jesus, who said: “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve” (Mk 10:45).  It means to “walk humbly with your God” (Mi 6:8).   

James H. Kroeger, M.M.

  

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

I kneel before your heavenly throne,

Lord God of heaven and earth

worshiping in awe your boundless mercy

and grateful for your abundant grace

for in your love and compassion

you formed me out of the earth

and breathed into me

your life-giving Spirit.

O Lord, you fashioned me in your image

and became one with all humanity

that we might reflect your glory

in everything we say and do.

Lord, we are not worthy of so great a gift

but you remain ever faithful to us

healing our wounds and forgiving our failings,

faults and weaknesses.

Behold, I am not worthy yet still

you call me to your table of love

and communion with all your saints and

Souls of the just, both great and small.

All that I do and have and accomplish

springs from your Providence, O God.

Despise not my lowliness but accept

my life as tribute to your greatness.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

By Fr. Joseph Veneroso. M.M.

   

   

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.

Dear Friend in Mission,

With hearts full of hope, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers joyfully welcomes the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. In this historic moment for the universal Church, we give thanks to God for the gift of a new pope—chosen to succeed Pope Francis and guide us forward in faith, love, and missionary zeal.

Pope Leo XIV brings with him a deep commitment to dialogue, peace, and global solidarity—values that echo the very heart of our missionary vocation. A seasoned pastoral leader and thoughtful theologian, he is known for his compassionate outreach and dedication to the spiritual and social needs of the Church, particularly in regions experiencing hardship and need.

His years of missionary service in Peru, working among underserved communities, reflect a profound dedication to the Church’s mission of presence, accompaniment, and evangelization. His firsthand experience on the peripheries of society has shaped his vision for a Church that listens, serves, and uplifts—all grounded in Christ’s love.

As missionaries, we have been deeply inspired by Pope Francis’s call to go to the peripheries, to serve the poor, and to be instruments of God’s mercy and peace. We now look with prayerful anticipation to Pope Leo XIV, confident that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead the Church through his words and witness.

We invite you to join us in praying for our new pope, asking the Lord to bless him with wisdom, courage, and compassion as he begins his ministry as the Vicar of Christ and visible sign of unity for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

Thank you for walking with us on this missionary journey. Together, in communion with the successor of St. Peter, we remain committed to proclaiming the Gospel and witnessing to Christ’s love around the world.

In gratitude and peace,

Father Lance Nadeau, M.M. signature

Reverend Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.
Superior General

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