*REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY OF THE THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME* *YEAR II* 

One of the characteristic mark of our life and action should be true humility. True humility is not feeling bad about one's self, nor having low opinion of yourself, or thinking of yourself as inferior to others. Humility is truth in self understanding and truth in action. True humility frees us from preoccupation with ourselves and helps us to see ourselves as God sees us. 

  The most outstanding theme in the readings of today especially the gospel (Luke 14: 1, 7-11) is "humility". Jesus in his parable to the Pharisees, talks about over ambitious in seeking positions of honour or authority. Any one who exalts himself will be humbled, but anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.  

  St. Paul in the first reading (Phil 1: 18-26) acknowledges true humility to be total surrender to the will of God. He is ready to sacrifice his desires for the good of others. It is only through humility that you can draw other into appreciating God's presence in their lives.

   Dear friends, true humility frees us from preoccupation with ourselves; it frees us to love and serve others selflessly, for their sake, rather than our own. We are called to be true to ourselves and not to wear masks or to put on a facade in order to look good to others. God knows you through and through. Be yourself, but at the same time, be open for transformation.

   I pray that as we journey in life today, we will look up to Jesus Christ who is our model of humility. Who, though God, emptied Himself, taking our human form in order to save us (Phil. 2: 7-8). All we have and are, come as gift from God. May we be exalted as we humble ourselves serving others in Christ. Have a Humility-full day!

 *@Fr Francis Onwunali*