Dear Parishioners of Saint Polycarp,
On this last day of August, which is the Twenty Second Sunday of Ordinary time, the scriptural message calls us to concentrate on the humility of Jesus, the Son of God. To expound on Jesus’ humility, Saint Paul in his Letter to the Phillipians wrote,
“[Jesus], though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:2-11).
Jesus is the Son of God, but He humbles Himself to take on our human flesh, so as to be one among us. This is the God we believe, and the God who teaches us to model after Himself.
Today’s Gospel uses the parable of a wedding banquet to convey and teach us to be aware of pridefulness which is the opposite of humility. The parable describes a man who is invited to a wedding banquet, and he wants to sit a at place of honor. Yet, when a more honorable person is invited also to the banquet, the host asks him to give his place to the more honorable person. Imagine the embarrassment that this man is bringing to himself by thinking he deserves a place of honor, without recognizing that there are more people who are more important than he. Through this parable, Jesus wants us to model after his example of humility— “Though He was in the form of God, He humbled Himself.” First, He is asking us to pay attention to the issue of honor; and second, the reward of being humble.
Humility is also the focus of the First Reading from the Book of Sirach this Sunday. Sirach is a form of wisdom literature which does not focus solely on academic wisdom, but on the wisdom of living one’s life; it is practical wisdom. The author opens the message with these words: “My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.”
Reflecting on how our parish has responded to the Mission Appeal to support the Dominican Sisters of Thai Binh and to the Talent Show, I am proud of your generosity and humility. You went head over heels to respond positively and marvelously to the mission of the Universal Church and to the love of your spiritual home of Saint Polycarp. In addition, in continuing your humble and generous spirit, Saint Polycarp is once again hosting a discerner named Jayden Le, who has been accepted by the Vocation Office and is preparing to enter the seminary next year. Jayden is staying with us until December 28 of this year. If you see him around, please reach out to welcome him to our “home.”
Lastly, together with my brother priests (Fathers Luis and Nicolaus), I send you my blessings from Jesus. May we also learn from Our Blessed Mother’s humility and generosity to respond YES to God.
Father Viet Peter Ho
Pastor
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