The author of our first reading was Jesus ben
Sirach. And this Jesus speaks to us
about humility. The Jesus in the gospel
reading from Luke, Jesus of Nazareth, also speaks to us about humility. So humility seems to be our theme.
We all have images of what it means to be
humble. I want to suggest an image and a
way of being humble that comes to us from both Jesus’ – Jesus ben Sirach and
Jesus of Nazareth. In the Hebrew
scriptures the first human is named Adam.
And adamah is the Hebrew word
for earth and soil. Adam was of the
earth. Our word “humble” comes from the
Latin word humus, meaning “earth”,
“soil”, “dirt”. Being humble has to do
with being earthy – never losing touch, never losing one’s connection with your
rootedness in the earth. But there’s
more to the word. Humus is also the root for the Latin word humanus, meaning “human”, “human being”. Being human also has to do with being earthy
– just like the Jewish scriptures say.
Being humble – being human – both have to do
with being earthy – not losing your connection with earthy roots. These words call on us to become simple – to
return to basics. They would have us be
simply ourselves – our un-dressed-up, down-to-earth self. And Jesus’ advice to the house guests calls
on them to be themselves, just their human selves – not putting on airs – not
seeking to put distance between themselves and others – not seeking to be above
others.
We belong with one another. That’s the simple, humble, human truth about
us that Jesus wants us to recognize – and to live. We belong with one another and we belong to
one another. For Jesus, just as we
cannot imagine life without earth and air, sky and water – just so we cannot
imagine life without the closeness of other people. Without the rhythm of giving to and receiving
from one another – without living in partnership with one another – our lives
become inhuman. We merely vegetate. We may even copulate. But we don’t have real human life – because
there is no real we; there’s just me. My bottom line is just me.
And where there’s just me,
then connection and community become mere stepping stones to higher seats,
higher stations in life.
Can you imagine making distance from other
people your goal in life – the sign of your success? Where there’s just me – then life becomes a routine of just stepping up to the higher
salary, moving up to the greater recognition.
Your life’s goal goes into creating distance between yourself and
others. Success is creating greater
space between us. Success is having no
real relationship or partnership - having no real connection or community.
But Jesus reminds us we are human and
humble. Our lives are not just private
affairs. We belong with one
another. We belong to one another. Jesus calls us to be just ourselves – just
our humble, human, down-to-earth selves.
Conduct your life with humility,
and you will be loved – loved more than a giver of gifts.
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