by Br. Mark Orcutt, O.S.B.

     Jesus, the Wisdom of God, expressed Himself in the same manner as the Old Testament wisdom traditions: “Claim no honor in the king’s presence…nor occupy the place of great men…For it is better to be told to ‘Come up closer’...than you be humbled before the prince” (see Proverbs 25:6-7 and Sirach 3:17-20).  Jesus is telling us the way to be prominent is to follow Him in humility.  He first illustrates the principle with the following admonition: “your reward for not being pushy at a big dinner party will be that the host will invite you, in the sight of all the guests, to come occupy a better position.”     

     St. Teresa of Avila is often quoted as saying that humility is not thinking little of yourself; it is not thinking of yourself at all.  Such an interior peace is the fruit of a steady life of prayer.  As we come to know Jesus personally, our attention becomes focused on Him and we find our peace by being in His company.  It is chiefly in this company that we are not restless.  Then we understand that we do not take the lowest place hoping to get a promotion.  The last place is the promotion because we share it with Jesus who said of Himself: “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).  Our Lord states His principle: self-exaltation leads to humiliation, self-humbling leads to exaltation and respect.

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