Grace to the Humble

But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says: 

God resists the proud, 

but gives grace to the humble. 

(James 4:6)

Friendship with the world is enmity with God. We should not be overly attached to worldly pleasures but instead prioritize our relationship with God. Conflicts and quarrels often arise from worldly desires and pleasures. Understanding this can help us identify and address the root causes of conflicts. 

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. We should always keep to heart the value of humility and submission in our walk with God. Our submission involves resisting the devil, drawing near to God, cleansing one’s hands, purifying one’s heart, and humbling oneself before the Lord. If we humble ourselves before the Lord, He will exalt us. This provides hope and encouragement to us, assuring us of God’s reward for our humility and faithfulness. 

He will transform our lives - from laughter to mourning, from joy to gloom. Let us draw near to God, as He draws near to us so that we may experience His loving presence and care in our lives.

In this world, we may find our place,

But friendship with it, God's grace erase.

Worldly pleasures, they may seem grand,

But they're fleeting, like grains of sand.

Conflicts arise, quarrels ignite,

From worldly desires that take flight.

Understanding this, we can see,

The root of conflict, the enemy.

God opposes the proud, it's true,

But gives grace to the humble, me and you.

In our walk with God, let's keep in sight,

The value of humility, shining bright.

Submission to God, a choice so wise,

Resisting the devil, our faith's high price.

Drawing near to God, hands cleansed, hearts pure,

Humility before the Lord, our faith's cure.

If we humble ourselves, in God's sight,

He will exalt us, to great height.

This hope and encouragement, let it be,

A reminder of God's reward, for you and me.

From laughter to mourning, joy to gloom,

God will transform us, like a flower in bloom.

So let us draw near, without any fear,

For God's loving presence, is always near.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that friendship with the world is enmity with You. Help us not to be overly attached to worldly pleasures, but instead to prioritize our relationship with You. We recognize that conflicts and quarrels often arise from worldly desires and pleasures. Grant us the wisdom to understand this so we can identify and address the root causes of conflicts.

You oppose the proud but give grace to the humble. Help us to always keep to heart the value of humility and submission in our walk with You. Our submission involves resisting the devil, drawing near to You, cleansing our hands, purifying our hearts, and humbling ourselves before You.

If we humble ourselves before You, You promise to exalt us. This provides hope and encouragement to us, assuring us of Your reward for our humility and faithfulness. You promise to transform our lives - from laughter to mourning, from joy to gloom.

Help us to draw near to You, as You promise to draw near to us. May we experience Your loving presence and care in our lives. Guide us, protect us, and lead us in Your ways.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

III: Exhortations and Warnings

CAUSES OF DIVISION

James 4:1-12

First Reading | James 4:1-10

1 Beloved: Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? 2 You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. 3 You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 Adulterers! Do you not know that to be a lover of the world means enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a lover of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose that the Scripture speaks without meaning when it says, The spirit that he has made to dwell in us tends toward jealousy? 6 But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 7 So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds. 9 Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you. 

Background:

James 4:1-10 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible, written by James, the brother of Jesus. This passage addresses the causes of conflicts and quarrels among believers, and provides guidance on how to resolve them.

The passage begins by asking what causes conflicts and fights among believers. James identifies the source of these conflicts as the desires for worldly pleasures that war within individuals. These desires lead to covetousness, anger, and animosity, which in turn lead to conflict.

James warns that friendship with the world is enmity with God, and those who wish to be friends with the world make themselves enemies of God. He further states that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

The passage then provides a series of instructions for believers:

Submit to God.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts.

Be wretched, mourn, and weep.

Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

This passage emphasizes the importance of humility and dependence on God in resolving conflicts and living a faithful life. It encourages believers to turn away from worldly desires and draw closer to God. It also underscores the futility of living for worldly and fleshly desires, as they lead to a fundamentally unsatisfied life.

In summary, James 4:1-10 is a call to humility, submission to God, and rejection of worldly desires as a means to resolve conflicts and live a life pleasing to God.

Learning Lessons:

James 4:1-10 provides several valuable lessons for believers:

Source of Conflicts: The passage teaches that conflicts and quarrels among believers often arise from worldly desires and pleasures. Understanding this can help individuals identify and address the root causes of their conflicts.

Friendship with the World: James warns that friendship with the world is enmity with God. This serves as a reminder to believers to not be overly attached to worldly pleasures and to prioritize their relationship with God.

Humility: The passage emphasizes the importance of humility. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This teaches believers the value of humility in their walk with God.

Submission to God: James instructs believers to submit to God. This submission involves resisting the devil, drawing near to God, cleansing one’s hands, purifying one’s heart, and humbling oneself before the Lord. These actions can guide believers in their daily lives.

Resistance to the Devil: The passage assures that if you resist the devil, he will flee from you. This provides encouragement and hope to believers facing spiritual battles.

God’s Nearness: James promises that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. This assures believers of God’s presence and care in their lives.

Transformation: The passage calls for a transformation in the believer’s life - from laughter to mourning, from joy to gloom. This is a call to recognize one’s sins, repent, and seek God’s forgiveness.

Exaltation: Finally, the passage promises that if you humble yourself before the Lord, He will exalt you. This provides hope and encouragement to believers, assuring them of God’s reward for their humility and faithfulness.

In summary, James 4:1-10 provides valuable lessons on understanding the source of conflicts, the importance of humility, the need for submission to God, the assurance of God’s nearness, and the promise of God’s exaltation. It serves as a guide for believers in their walk with God. (Copilot)

Humble Yourself

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; 

but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” 

MATTHEW 23:1-12

Jesus acknowledges the authority of the scribes and Pharisees. Therefore, people should observe their teachings but not follow their example, as they do not practice what they preach. They burden people with heavy religious obligations but do not help to ease these burdens. Their actions are performed for show, and they seek honor and recognition. Jesus then instructs His followers not to seek titles of honor for themselves, reminding them that they have one Teacher, one Father in heaven, and one Master, the Christ. He emphasizes humility, stating that the greatest among them must be a servant and that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted.

1 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens hardto carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. ⁵ All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. ⁶ They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, ⁷ greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ ⁸ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. ⁹ Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:1-12)

In crowds and to disciples, Jesus spoke of scribes and Pharisees, their yoke. On Moses' chair, they've taken seat, yet their example, do not repeat. They preach, but practice not their word, their burdens heavy, their actions absurd. They lay on shoulders, weights untold, yet not a finger, they lift to hold. Their works for eyes, not hearts, are done, their phylacteries wide, their tassels spun. They love the honor, the seats, the praise, yet 'Rabbi', 'Father', 'Master', are not our ways. We have but one Teacher, one Father above, One Master, the Christ, the symbol of love. The greatest among us, a servant must be for the humble are exalted, for all eternity.

Dear Heavenly Father, Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, reminding us of Your teachings and principles. The scribes and Pharisees, they sit on Moses' chair yet their example, we are warned, we must not bear. They preach but do not practice, their burdens heavy and hard, yet they will not lift a finger, their hearts are barred. Their works are for show, their phylacteries wide, in places of honor, they take pride. But we are called to be different, to be true, not to be called 'Rabbi', for we have but one Teacher, You. We are all brothers, no one on earth our father, for we have but one Father in heaven, none other. We are not to be called 'Master', for we have but one, the Christ, our Savior, God's own Son. The greatest among us must be a servant, whoever exalts himself will be humbled, this is evident. But whoever humbles himself will be exalted, in Your kingdom, forever vaulted. Help us, Lord, to live by these words, to be humble servants, in a world of lords. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

God calls us to repentance and righteousness, where He urges the people to cleanse themselves from their sins and to do good. The passage uses vivid imagery to convey the transformation that can occur through repentance - sins as red as scarlet or crimson can become as white as snow or wool. It emphasizes the importance of justice, helping the wronged, hearing the orphan’s plea, and defending the widow. It ends with a choice: those who are willing and obey will prosper, but those who refuse and resist will face consequences. This is a powerful message about the importance of moral integrity and the transformative power of repentance. 

10 Hear the word of the Lord, princes of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God, people of Gomorrah! 16 Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; 17 learn to do good. Make justice your aim redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow. 18 Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord. Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool. 19 If you are willing, and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land; 20 but if you refuse and resist, the sword shall consume you for the mouth of the Lord has spoken! (Isaiah 1:10, 16-20)

Hear, O princes of the modern age, listen to wisdom, not the rage. Wash your hands of deeds unclean, cease the evil that has been seen. Learn to do what's just and right in the day and in the night. Aim for justice, aim for truth, redress the wronged, protect the youth. Hear the pleas of those in need, defend the weak, let love be your creed. Come now, let us set things right, in the Lord's name, let there be light. Though your sins be dark and deep, they may turn white, no need to weep. Like the snow, pure and bright, like the wool, in soft moonlight. If you're willing, if you obey, you shall feast on life's buffet. But if you refuse, if you resist, the sword of justice will persist. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken, His words are strong, they can't be broken. So heed this call, make a start, let His words transform your heart.

Lord, we hear Your word, we listen to Your instruction, oh God. We acknowledge our misdeeds and seek to wash ourselves clean. Help us cease doing evil and learn to do good. May we aim for justice, redress the wronged, hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow. We come to You, Lord to set things right. Though our sins be like scarlet, we pray they may become white as snow. Though they be crimson red, we pray they may become white as wool. If we are willing, and obey, we trust that we shall partake in the good things of the land. But if we refuse and resist, we understand the sword shall consume us. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken and His word is truth and life. Amen.

God does not require sacrifices and burnt offerings. Instead, God desires obedience, righteousness, and praise from His people. He will correct us by making our sins clear before our eyes. Offering praise as a sacrifice glorifies God. To the one who follows the right path, God will show the salvation.

8 “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offering are before me always. 9 I take from your house no bullock, no goats out of your fold.” 16 “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, 17 though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” 21 “When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it? Or do you think that I am like yourself? I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes. 23 He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” (Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23)

Not for your offerings, I cast a rebuke, Your sacrifices, always in my look. No bullock, no goat, from your abode I take, yet you recite my laws, a seeming fake. You profess my covenant with your voice, yet discipline you hate, by your own choice. My words, you cast behind with little care, do you think I'm deaf, or that it's fair? Do you see me as yourself, in your deeds so rife? Know this, I will correct you, bring your sins to life. Yet he who offers praise, a sacrifice so pure, glorifies me in ways, that forever endure. To him that walks the path, that is right and good, I will show the salvation of God, as I should.

Oh Lord, not for our sacrifices do You rebuke us, for our offerings are before You always. From our house, You take no bullock, no goats from our fold, yet, we recite Your statutes, and profess Your covenant bold. Though we falter in discipline, and cast Your words aside, You remain patient, Your love for us does not subside. When we err, You are not deaf, You see our every stride, You correct us, drawing our faults before our eyes wide. We understand, oh Lord, that You are not like us, Your ways are higher, Your judgments just. He who offers praise as a sacrifice, glorifies You, and to him that walks the right path, You show Your salvation true. Help us, oh Lord, to walk in Your ways, to offer You praise, all of our days. Guide us on the right path, show us Your salvation that we may glorify You, with sincere dedication. Amen.

Pericope:

VI: Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem

DENUNCIATION OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES

Matthew 23:1-36

I: Indictment of Israel and Judah

ISRAEL'S SINFULNESS

Isaiah 1:1-31

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

THE ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE

Psalm 50:1-23

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Humble yourself

My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.

The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. For great is the might of the Lord; he is glorified by the humble.

The affliction of the proud has no healing, for a plant of wickedness has taken root in him.

The mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable, and an attentive ear is the wise man's desire.

Sirach 3: 17 - 18, 20, 28 - 29

Published:

August 29, 2010, 6:24 AM

Every one who exalts himself will be humbled

One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him. Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he marked how they chose the places of honor, saying to them,

"When you are invited by any one to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest a more eminent man than you be invited by him; and he who invited you both will come and say to you, `Give place to this man,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.

But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, `Friend, go up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.

For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

-- Luke 14: 1, 7 - 11

Published:

October 30, 2010, 9:00 AM

HUMBLE YOURSELF AND BE EXALTED

For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, 

and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

LUKE 14:11

“Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all, 

that they may know I am with you." 

JOSHUA 3:7

Published:

August 12, 2021, 6:40 AM

November 13, 2012, 9:44AM

One Mightier than I

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: 

“One mightier than I is coming after me. 

I am not worthy to stoop and loosen 

the thongs of his sandals.

MARK 1:7

Jesus is the beloved Son of God in whom the Father is well pleased. He came to earth to show His love and to redeem the lost and least. He lived a life of perfect grace, healed the sick and raised the dead, taught the truth and bore the cross and rose again as He had said. He is the way, the truth, the life, the only hope for all mankind. He is the Lord, the King of kings, the Savior of the world divine, mightier than all combined. He calls us all to follow Him and to share His joy and peace.

Humble yourself to Jesus who is mightier than you and He will show you mercy and compassion ever true. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. He will give you wisdom and strength to see you through. He will make you more like Him in everything you do. He is the Lamb and the Lion, the Servant and the King. He is the Rock and the Cornerstone, the Lord of everything.

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:7-11)

God's thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are His ways your ways. He sees the end from the beginning, and He works in mysterious ways. He does not think as we think, nor does He act as we act. He is holy and righteous, and He is faithful and exact. He knows the secrets of the heart, and He tests the motives of our ways. He does not judge as we judge, nor does He love as we love. He is gracious and compassionate, and He is merciful and just. The Lord has a plan and purpose for us, and He guides us in His ways. He does not change as we change, nor does He fail as we fail. He is eternal and unchanging, and He is sovereign and prevail.

Come and delight in the Lord's rich fare. He has prepared a feast for you. He invites you to His table of grace and to His covenant of love so true. He has satisfied your every need, offers you His bread and wine and to His presence He will lead. He has filled your heart with joy, shares with you His promises and to His glory He will employ.

Thus says the Lord: All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk! Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy? Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life. I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David. As I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of nations, so shall you summon a nation you knew not, and nations that knew you not shall run to you, because of the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, who has glorified you. Seek the Lord while he may be found, call him while he is near. Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked man his thoughts; let him turn to the Lord for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts. For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to him who sows and bread to him who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:1-11)

The Lord is my strength and my courage, and He has been my savior. He has delivered me from all my foes, and He has been my favor. He has upheld me by His hand, and He has been my helper. He has given me hope and joy and He has been my treasure. I praise the Lord for His glorious achievement. He has done great things for me and for all. He has shown His power and His love and He has answered my every call. He has given me His word and His promises, and He has made me part of His glorious plan.

God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! (Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6)

Lord Jesus, You are mightier than anyone or anything combined. It is not about me but it is all about You. You have sent Your Holy Spirit to dwell in us and empower us. You have given us Your name and authority to proclaim Your gospel. You have promised to return and to make all things new. I humbly praise You for Your glorious achievement and for making me a co-heir with You who is the Father's most beloved Son. Please continue to transform me by Your word and renew me by Your mind. Fill me with Your joy and peace and hope and equip me with Your gifts and fruits and armor. I worship You with all my heart and soul and strength and mind. I surrender to You all my life and will and plans and dreams. I trust You with all my fears and doubts and worries and cares. I follow You with all my steps and words and deeds and thoughts. I love You with all my love and devotion and gratitude and praise. Amen

Pericope:

I: The Preparation for the Public Ministry of Jesus

THE PREACHING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Mark 1:7-11

II: Expiation of Sin, Spiritual Liberation of Israel

AN INVITATION TO GRACE

Isaiah 55:1-13

II: Immanuel Prophecies

SONG OF THANKSGIVING

Isaiah 12:1-6

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

LIVE WITH ALL HUMILITY

Live in a manner 

worthy of the call you have received, 

with all humility and gentleness, 

with patience, 

bearing with one another 

through love.

Ephesians 4:1-2

Humility has been regarded by the Saints as the basis and guardian of all virtues. - St. Alphonsus Liguori

The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience, which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all. -- St. Benedict (Rule of St. Benedict 5:1-2)


Published: 

September 10, 2013, 8:09 AM

March 24, 2012, 10:00AM