Reflection for October 27, Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:18-21

Gospel: Luke 13:18-21

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

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Reflection:

Do you embrace the great virtue of Humility?

Humility is a virtue that is disregarded by many of us. Why? Because humility for many of us is a display of our meekness, simplicity and littleness. On the other hand many love arrogance, bravado and egotism for this shows power and might. But come to think of it, many great personalities are revered for their humility.

Think for example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Pope Francis, Nelson Mandela and of course Jesus, to name a few. From their humility sprouted greatness and reverence by millions of people. Their words are carefully listened and serve as a reservoir of wisdom.

On the other side of the fence are arrogance, bravado and egotism. Many dictators and dictatorial presidents became paper tigers by instilling fear in the hearts of their people. They imposed dictatorial rule to manipulate and oppress. And there is no doubt that this is brought about by their arrogance, bravado and egotism. But where are they now? Are they revered? Are they remembered with fondness, respect and love? No! They are forgotten, despised and confined in the dustbin of history.

Jesus mentions in the gospel the kingdom of God as a little mustard seed that eventually became big whereby birds took comfort in its shade. He also compared the kingdom of God to a little yeast that was mixed with three measures of wheat flour. After it was cooked it grew big and many ate from it.

Plant in your heart the seemingly insignificant virtue of Humility. Don’t bother if you will be belittled and be perceived as nobody. In God’s own perfect time you will be admired, revered and your wisdom will be sought by many. – Marino J. Dasmarinas