Humility

Justin Patenaude gives his reflection on this Sundays readings.
Readings for September 23rd:
First Reading: Wisdom 2: 12, 17-20
Res.:Psalm 54: 3-8
Second Reading: James 3: 16 to 4:1-3
Gospel: Mark 9: 30-37

The first reading from the book of Wisdom is quite depressing to put it bluntly. We hear of a man saying that he will torture someone who believes in God just to prove to him that he doesn't exist. Each one of us has lived through situations where we were ridiculed for our Faith. We might not have all the answers to all non-believers questions, which means it takes humility to take their mocking words and offer it up to God.

The second reading explains what we should do in such times. Instead of trying to get your way by force instead of praying, you do not get what you want. Also, it says "When you pray and do not receive, it is because you prayed wrongly, wanting to indulge your passions". I'm going to add a little thing to that: This may seem as a shock, but most of our prayers are quite selfish. Think about it, we might pray for someone to be healed, or for peace on earth, but are we really wanting them to feel better or us to feel better in the process? All prayers can be selfish because we are imperfect beings. But one way to ensure that our prayers are purified is for us to ask Mary to intercede for us. As much as I want to explain what I learned from Joe Madden at camp this summer, I'll go on with the reflection but feel free to ask me later.

Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus puts in bluntly, just the way I like it: "If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all". Everyone has heard this passage, but how many actually apply it to their lives? I surely don't. I try my best to practice humility but I fall short on numerous occasions. I truly think that if we prayed for humility we would see a big difference in today’s society as we slowly learn to put others in front ourselves.
The first reading from the book of Wisdom is quite depressing to put it bluntly. We hear of a man saying that he will torture someone who believes in God just to prove to him that he doesn't exist. Each one of us has lived through situations where we were ridiculed for our Faith. We might not have all the answers to all non-believers questions, which means it takes humility to take their mocking words and offer it up to God.
The second reading explains what we should do in such times. Instead of trying to get your way by force instead of praying, you do not get what you want. Also, it says "When you pray and do not receive, it is because you prayed wrongly, wanting to indulge your passions". I'm going to add a little thing to that: This may seem as a shock, but most of our prayers are quite selfish. Think about it, we might pray for someone to be healed, or for peace on earth, but are we really wanting them to feel better or us to feel better in the process? All prayers can be selfish because we are imperfect beings. But one way to ensure that our prayers are purified is for us to ask Mary to intercede for us. As much as I want to explain what I learned from Joe Madden at camp this summer, I'll go on with the reflection but feel free to ask me later.

Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus puts in bluntly, just the way I like it: "If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all". Everyone has heard this passage, but how many actually apply it to their lives? I surely don't. I try my best to practice humility but I fall short on numerous occasions. I truly think that if we prayed for humility we would see a big difference in today’s society as we slowly learn to put others in front ourselves.
The second reading explains what we should do in such times. Instead of trying to get your way by force instead of praying, you do not get what you want. Also, it says "When you pray and do not receive, it is because you prayed wrongly, wanting to indulge your passions". I'm going to add a little thing to that: This may seem as a shock, but most of our prayers are quite selfish. Think about it, we might pray for someone to be healed, or for peace on earth, but are we really wanting them to feel better or us to feel better in the process? All prayers can be selfish because we are imperfect beings. But one way to ensure that our prayers are purified is for us to ask Mary to intercede for us. As much as I want to explain what I learned from Joe Madden at camp this summer, I'll go on with the reflection but feel free to ask me later.
Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus puts in bluntly, just the way I like it: "If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all". Everyone has heard this passage, but how many actually apply it to their lives? I surely don't. I try my best to practice humility but I fall short on numerous occasions. I truly think that if we prayed for humility we would see a big difference in today’s society as we slowly learn to put others in front ourselves.
Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus puts in bluntly, just the way I like it: "If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all". Everyone has heard this passage, but how many actually apply it to their lives? I surely don't. I try my best to practice humility but I fall short on numerous occasions. I truly think that if we prayed for humility we would see a big difference in today’s society as we slowly learn to put others in front ourselves.

The first word that came to mind after reflecting on Sunday's readings was: humility.