Daily Reflection for Monday, September 27, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, Priest
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092721.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Zechariah 8: 1-8
Responsorial: Psalm 102: 16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23
Gospel: Luke 9:46-50
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Luke 9: 46
Over my lifetime, I have known some very successful people, very rich people, people who were at the top in their industries. People who were great athletes and people who had received many awards and well-deserved recognition. I’ve met a Nobel Peace Prize winner and other Nobel Peace Prize nominees, Members of Congress, authors. What has impressed me most about some of the powerful, or rich, or famous people is their humility.
Whether it’s true humility, I really don’t know. It may be, I suspect, that some of them are like me in at least one regard: I take great pride in my humility.
But in my lifetime, the people who have taught me the most and who have been the greatest examples are not world-famous and they’re not very rich. However, they are folks who are humble, honest, trustworthy, and faithful. They are real and true. Without directly naming them, the list includes a now-retired garbage man, a former union electrician, a dairy farmer, and a parish priest.
Another person is an elected official, father, and a quadriplegic. He is well known in his community and state. Yet he would be the last person to seek recognition. Many would call him inspirational, exemplary, honest, forthright, courageous, and determined. Yet when I’ve asked him to describe himself, he uses the adjective “patient.” He would never be part of an argument about how great he is. I learn so much from him, because in his humility, honesty, and patience I see that he is among the greatest.
Dear Lord, teach me to get out of the way, and to reflect your light, not mine.
Peace and blessings,
Al Mytty