The humble person is usually loved and easily fits into any situation. But the proud person is usually looked upon with suspicion and disdain. The paradox is that despite the acknowledged better position of the humble, many people still continue to prefer arrogance to humility. The unfortunate thing is that the world is rendered inhuman by the arrogant. However, God continues to prefer and favor the humble ones. This is the great message we derive from the readings of today.
The Church celebrates, today, the feast of the Evangelist Mark, who wrote the second Gospel. Tradition identifies him with John Mark, the missionary companion of Barnabas and Paul (see Acts 13:5; 2Tim 4:11). He later became a missionary companion of Peter (see 1Pet 5:13). Many consider his Gospel as having been inspired by the missionary apostolate of Peter. As we celebrate the feast of Mark, the Church leads us to understand that the good news of Jesus is a message of joy for the humble. Only the humble ones understand accept it.
Why God Opposes the Proud
Almost all religions exalt humility and affirm God’s abundant blessings on the humble. The fact is that the humble recognizes the mighty hand of God and readily surrenders to Him. The proud, on the other hand, vaunts personal achievements and often tends to play God. The first reading of today from 1 Peter 5 affirms that “God opposes the proud and bestows favour on the humble” (1Pt 5:5). God works more effectively with those who recognize His power and submit to His will. The proud finds it difficult to do that, as the over-exaggerated ego prevents any form of self-submission. Only the humble can confidently put all worries on God, knowing that He cares. But the arrogant pretends to know it all. And, thus, become easily deceived by the enemy the devil who prowls around looking for victims to destroy.
Preach with Humility
Jesus regards his ministry as a service to the simple ones. This is aptly expressed in Matt 25:25: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” Then he goes on to invite all to come to him and learn the ways of simplicity. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves” (25:28-29). The mission mandate, which we read in today’s Gospel from Mark 16:15-20, makes the missionaries understand that all depends on God’s power. Never on their own human strength and ingenuity. It is only in the Name of Jesus that they can cast out demons and speak new languages. Just as they will succeed even when they pick up snakes, drink poisonous things and lay healing hands on the sick. The success of the missionary work is a testimony to God’s power and a veritable lesson in humility.
Boasting in the Lord
The humble repose all their confidence in God’s power. This inclines them to boast even in times of great affliction. Thus Psalm 34:2 sings: “My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.” The psalmist is overwhelmed with the power of God. He sings today’s Psalm 89:1: “Forever I will sing of the goodness of the Lord.”
