💖 HOMILY - AUGUST 23 💖

First Reading - Ruth 2:1-3,8-11,4:13-17

Gospel - Matthew 23:1-12

Life has a way of showing us that greatness is not measured by status or titles but by humility and service. Today’s readings highlight this truth by drawing our attention to God’s surprising ways: He lifts up the lowly, blesses the humble, and brings forth salvation from those who walk quietly in faithfulness.

In the first reading, we encounter Ruth once again, a woman from a foreign land who had no claim to Israel’s promises by birth. Yet, through her humility, hard work, and fidelity, she found favour in the eyes of Boaz and ultimately became part of the lineage of David and of Jesus Himself. Ruth never sought glory for herself; she simply lived with trust and humility. And in that quiet faithfulness, God worked wonders that would bless generations to come.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks directly against the pride and hypocrisy of the religious leaders of His time. They sought recognition, honour, and authority, but failed to serve with sincerity. Jesus instead offers a radically different vision of greatness: “The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” True greatness in God’s kingdom does not come from being above others, but from kneeling to serve them.

Dear friends, God does not look at the outward appearance, the power, or the prestige, but at the heart. Ruth, the humble outsider, became an instrument of God’s plan, while the proud leaders, with all their learning and authority, missed the heart of God’s law. This challenges us to examine our own lives: Do we seek recognition, or do we seek to serve? Do we live for ourselves, or do we allow God to work through our humility?

The path of humility is not easy, but it is the path that leads to life. When we put God first and serve others with love, we open ourselves to His transforming grace. Just as Ruth’s humble faith was lifted up to bring forth the Savior of the world, so too can our quiet acts of love and service become seeds of God’s kingdom.

May we learn to walk in humility, to serve without seeking recognition, and to trust that in God’s time, He will lift us up. For in God’s eyes, the truly great are not those who exalt themselves, but those who, like Ruth and like Christ Himself, give themselves in love.