Sunday, August 31, 2025

True Humility

 


In this week’s Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7–14), Jesus gives us a world-class lesson on humility and what it truly means to be a follower of Christ. While visiting the house of a Pharisee, He tells a parable about humility. Jesus observed that the guests were all choosing the best seats for themselves. He teaches that it is better to take a lower seat and be asked to move up, rather than take the best seat and be asked to move down. In this way, honor comes from being lifted up by the host, not from exalting ourselves.


Jesus then turns to the host and explains that inviting only those who can repay you is not true generosity. Real giving is about helping those who cannot give anything back. True generosity expects nothing in return—it is about selfless love, the same kind of love that God shows to us.



To be humble before the Lord means surrendering and allowing God to lead our lives. This is counterintuitive because the world tells us to take control, to seek recognition, and to prove ourselves. But what the world wants is not what God desires. We don’t need the praise, recognition, or approval of others—we are called to humbly submit to the Lord.


When we succeed, it is because God has blessed us. And when things don’t go as planned, we can still thank God, knowing He is in control. Humility shifts the focus away from us and places it on Him. A humble life makes God the reason behind everything we do. It’s not about what we can accomplish for ourselves, but about how our accomplishments can glorify the Lord. Too often, we take credit for what God has done in us. Humility is the only way to truly receive the gift of salvation.



When Jesus spoke to the host, He explained that it is far more meaningful to give to those who cannot repay you. Giving to someone in a high position, or to someone who can return the favor, isn’t the same as giving a blessing. A true blessing is undeserved. It is simply a gift—no strings attached.


This mirrors our relationship with God: we could never repay Him for the gift of salvation, yet He gives it freely. That is how we are called to treat others—with open hands, no expectations, no hidden motives. True generosity has no conditions.






The world we live in has slowly stripped away many Christian values. Jesus knew this would happen, which is why He taught so many parables. These parables serve as timeless lessons to guide us in a world that has lost its way.


Living a humble life is not easy. It may not be common, but it is the way of Christ. Giving God all the credit may not sit well with others, but it will always honor the Lord. The gifts and blessings we have are not for our glory, but examples of how we should give to others.


So, find someone who is worse off than you. Help them. Give them your time, encouragement, guidance, or whatever resources you can share. Be a blessing by letting God shine through you. This what true humility looks like.


Thursday, August 14, 2025

 

LONGING DEVOTION

Luke 12: 49-53

O’ Lord, I renounce my allegiance to all men and pay homage to You only, for You are the Source of remarkable humility and mercy.

My beloved, You remain my trusted companion who liberates me from all tragedy and disappointment.

Glory to the Foothold of Deliverance

Father God, I long for You because You long for me and my soul finds unparalleled contentment in this longing.

Almighty Hashem, You are the “einsof” (light of absolute source) and the apex of sublime abundance.

Praise to the Hallowed Creator!

O’ beloved, You are the miraculous sacred territory of the universe and beyond who requires no defense.

Yeshua, man is fueled by diversity, jealously, and division while You remain the apex of unity and commonwealth.

Glory to the Source of Solidarity!

Loving Savior, You relentlessly pursue me so I can remain unharmed from the clutches of the evil one.

O’ Lord, can You hear my pleas from below as You remain the bridge over a great divide between heaven and earth?

Parise to the Tender Remedy!

                                                                        The Pilgrim.

 

 

 

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Where does your treasure lie?

 Jesus tells us in this week's Gospel reading that where our treasure is, there also will our hearts be. A simple truth; for what we value as treasure, we put above all other things. So how can we test our own hearts? How can we be sure that we are right with God? 

Some easy metrics might be:

  •  How do we spend our time?
  • What do we think about most often?
  • What qualities do we value in other people?
The answers to these questions can provide powerful insight into what you really value most - not what you say you value, but what you actually value.

Where does your treasure lie?

                 + Theophilus