By Elijah Ugani
The Vicar General Administration of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, Very Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD, has charged christian faithfuls to imbibe the true virtues of humility.
Fr Obele gave the admonition during the first mass (6.00am) at Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja , the 22nd Sunday in ordinary time, Year C.
Fr Obele welcomed the christains and said “On this 22nd Sunday, Jesus reminds us that our lives on earth is likened to the invitees to a wedding fest. Our attitude must be like the wedding garment anchored on humility and love and putting others first in all our undertakings.
“The parable told by Jesus in (Luke 14:7-14), after noticing how guests were choosing the places of honor at the table, teaches us a lesson on humility.
“Jesus himself did not invent this parable; he was simply reminding the guests of the proverb they had learnt from the Rabbis at school; “Do not take your place among the great, better to be invited, ‘Come up here’, than be humiliated in the presence of the prince” (cf. Prov. 25:6-7). The words of Jesus, therefore, were not new to his listeners. What was new was the content, the lesson behind the words, which Jesus was trying to teach regarding the true meaning of humility.
Stressing on Humility, Fr Obele noted that “Humility is not pretending in order to get attention. It is not calling attention to yourself or seeking preferential treatment over others (Lk 20:46).
“Humility is giving your chance to another and not making a big deal about it (Mk 9:33-37)
“Humility is shedding off those titles, no matter how good they make you feel (Mt 23:8-10).
“Humility is not sheepishly following the high political class, so as to feel among”.
Fr Obele averred that “We cannot continue to bask in the limelight of prominence and fame, unmindful of the needs and cries of others”.
Speaking further, Fr Peter Obele Abue, reenergized the congregation when he said “Humility is somehow being ready to lose out in the world, but believing that God will raise you up in his own good time”.
Continuing, Fr Obele asserted that “If you’re struggling to grow in virtue, or to conquer a habitual sin, or some great fault, you need to ask yourself how you are doing at the practice of the virtue of humility? The rivers of grace cannot flow uphill the steep cliff of a proud man’s heart.
“Humility is the opposite of Pride, which is actually calling attention to yourself all the time, in thought, word and indeed.
“Humility is a heroic virtue, yet often taken for granted. It is difficult to fathom, and some people have concluded it is impossible to practice. But humility is possible. It begins from the heart, the way we think and it flows through our actions”.
He made inquiries about the manner at which we practice true humility.
He asked “Why is there no true humility today? Why is there very little humility practised today in churches, communities and especially in the political arena?
“Why does everyone play humility, yet no one is humble. Because everyone wants to excel, everyone wants to be greater than the other to identify with the head yo castigate others to get to the top People are uncomfortable with leaders who want to serve, because it is not our culture. They say ‘our culture demands that ‘great people be served’. (This is pagan culture. Read John 13:8)”.
Fr Obele reassured the people of God that “Humility is possible. Humility is not just about external things, the way we dress, the car we drive, the gadgets we use, the tone of our voice etc. it is this, but much more.
“Humility is the way we think, the care we have for others.
“Our first reading today teaches us that the best way to be loved by God and by people is to be always open to helping others. The second reading also confirms that by approaching Christ with an attitude of love towards our brothers and sisters. We have accepted the new religion, the religion of cheer and joy, a banquet”.
Fr Obele reechoed the words of Jesus: “My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts”. (Sirach 3:17).
Fr Obele ended his sermon with prayers for the congregation “Lord Jesus Christ you invite us to imitate you by serving the least of our brothers and sisters in love and humility. You teach us to be meek and humble of heart like you were. Grant that we may serve you always in our neighbor and, in your mercy, hear and answer our prayers, Amen”.