*REFLECTION FOR MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN* *ORDINARY TIME YEAR II* 

On this first working day of the last week of September, we are grateful to God, who, not minding our shortcomings, continues to share His glory with us. The readings of today remind us of what matters most in life: humility in God's presence. 

   The first reading (Job 1: 6-22) recounts the first of Job's challenges losing all his possessions and his family. Instead of confirming Satan's thought of cursing God, Job reversedly trusted and humbled himself before God saying: "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away! Blessed be the name of the Lord!" How do you respond to tough times? Do you humbly trust God to lead to safety and into peace?

   In the gospel (Luke 9: 46-50), Jesus, placing a child before His disciples, reminds them that what makes people great is not their exalted position but their willingness to serve. The role of the disciples is not to argue who is the greatest among them but to be in service to all with a childlike trust in God. If people minister in His Name to serve His people, then such is not against Him. 

   Dear friends, in our world filled with competition, jealousy and struggle for possession, we are being called to see everyone as members of the human family and strive to ensue peace by our Christian living as children of God's Kingdom. 

   I pray as we journey in life today, we will realize that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4: 6). Let us empty ourselves of all that stand in the way- pride, envy, self-seeking glory, possessiveness and vanity, so as to be filled with God's life and power. As we empty ourselves, may God rebuild us again and God's glory shines forth in our lives. Have a humility-full day!