The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 5, 2010

We need always to remember that we are only clay in God's hands, called to be molded into whatever God needs us to be.  True humility only happens if we surrender to the master, who shapes us into his image.  Our lives only have meaning when we are sincere in our relationship with God.  Humility brings us to the point of accepting ourselves as we really are; it allows us to be true to ourselves and God; it is grounded in truth with no illusions of greatness.

The humble person

• does not grab places of honor or the high places at social gatherings.
• rejoices in the achievements of others and is not threatened by them.
• is sensitive to the needs of others and is willing to give alms, providing for the down trodden and powerless, giving without looking for recompense.
• is free to love without manipulation or need to control others.
• is happy and joy filled because s/he is able to share with all people.

This person loves himself/herself, others and God in the right way, "because those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

An ancient teacher once asked his pupils how to tell when the night had ended and the day was on the way back.  "Could it be," asked one student, "when you can see an animal in the distance and can tell whether it is a sheep or a dog?"  "No," said the teacher.  "Could it be," asked another, "when you look at a tree and tell whether it is a fig tree or a peach tree?"  "No," answered the teacher.  

"Well, then when is it?" demanded the pupils.  "It is when you look at the face of any woman or any man and see that she or he is your sister or brother.  Because if you cannot do this, no matter what time it is, it is still night."   

Consider: Do we humbly put ourselves at the service of others? How?

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 Join me in making a commitment to Catholic Education – Make your tax-pledge by September 30^th.  Did you know Arizona taxpayers have the right to “redirect” their taxes to support Catholic education?  This year our Catholic Tuition Organization (CTODP) has introduced a new 40-day campaign specifically targeting Catholics that have yet to take advantage of this unique opportunity to turn their tax dollars into charitable giving.  

It’s simple: just make your tax-pledge, and if you find that you pay or owe AZ tax, CTODP will show you how to redirect your taxes to help a low-income child get a Catholic education.  Return the campaign card that was mailed to you by September 30^th or visit www.MakeYourPledge.org.  If you still have questions as to how this works, just ask me, I’m happy to talk about it… how it actually saves the State of Arizona money and helps our Catholic School families.