Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12
Today we honor and thank God for the life and gift of St Pius X. It is Pope Pius X we can thank for allowing us, as children, to make our First Communion when we reached the age "of reason" – around 7 years of age. In 1958, I was a young Sister, a first-year catechist at St. Rita's (in Dade City). In my class of first-communicants, there was a special needs child. I'll call him Jimmy. The Pastor and senior catechist and I were unsure Jimmy had sufficient understanding to make his First Communion that year (You'll see we grossly misjudged him.) On First Communion Sunday, at the consecration of the Mass the priest held the host high and said what today would be translated: "Body of Christ." Jimmy's excited voice could be heard throughout the church: "Here he comes!!"
How right Jimmy was! Yes, praise God that every day, and into our nights, Jesus comes. Surely at the consecration of each Mass. And, also in each person who touches our lives. In every situation, in every circumstance God speaks to us – sometimes loud and clear; other times in a whisper hidden deep beyond all the noise and confusion of our busy workplace or family kitchen.
In today's reading in the Book of Ruth, we have the touching story of Naomi and Ruth. Naomi, the mother-in-law, and Ruth the devoted and loyal daughter-in-law. Naomi counsels Ruth to glean only in the field of Boaz. "Listen, my daughter! Do not go to glean in anyone else's field; you are not to leave here."
The Responsorial Psalm echoes that same sentiment in the words: "You shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored." In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus reminds us not to allow ourselves to become overly proud and puffed up in the favor we've received from the Lord. "The greatest among you must be your servant." Be thankful, yes, respectfully grateful, and do make use of the gifts God has given you. To do otherwise is to receive the gifts, admire the bow, but never open the package.
Just remember: "They who exalt themselves will be humbled, but whoever humbles themselves will be exalted." A good reminder was spoken by someone whose name I do not know: "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."
What gifts have I left unopened?
Take time today to sit with yourself and Jesus. Open the conversation with a thank you. Then ask: "What gifts have I left unopened?" And discern ways you might begin to unwrapped dormant, unused gifts? Ask: "What words are You giving me that I've never
Today's Reflection is by:
Sr. Roberta Bailey
Did you know...
Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, is currently the prioress (president) of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida in Saint Leo. Sister serves on the diocesan Commission for Religious. She is the former principal of St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio, Florida, and Saint John Paul II Catholic School in Lecanto, Florida. Sister Roberta is celebrating her 61st year in religious life.
