Daily Bible: I Busy Myself Not With Great Things
In the first reading (Philippians 2:1-4), Saint Paul writes to the Philippians about proper Christian behavior. He juxtaposes a sense of Christian community (family) with the isolating effects of vainglory and selfishness. In the verses that follow Saint Paul urges Christians to follow the example of Jesus, who showed ultimate humility by emptying Himself out in love for us. So are we called to empty ourselves out for others. Saint Paul’s understanding of humility isn’t quite what I see people exercise today. Today it seems that humility means downplaying the gifts that God has given us and being mediocre so we don’t stand out. But that’s how Saint Paul describes humility. In fact, doesn’t Jesus speak against this false form of humility in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30)? Saint Paul describes humility as living for others rather than for yourself. So use the gifts God has given you. Be exceptional. Strive for greatness. But do it all to give God glory and to love others. That’s true humility.
At first, Psalm 131:1-3 seems to contradict what I just said. “I busy myself not with great things” sounds just like an exhortation to live a mediocre life. But if you pay close attention to what the psalmist does instead, to exercise humility, you see that he contrasts doing great with being in God’s presence.
Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted
my soul like a weaned child.
Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap,
so is my soul within me.
Humility leads the psalmist to seek God in prayer. Humility means not seeking glory for yourself, and instead entering into the Mystery of God’s love.
In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus also teaches about humility. He tells the Pharisee and his dinner guests not to invite their family, friends or wealthy neighbors to dinner, but to instead invite the poor, the lame and the blind. Not only would the first group of people return the invitation, but we could assume that the purpose of inviting them would be to increase social status – an act of vainglory. Instead, Jesus tells his listeners to invite people who will bring no glory and who cannot return the invitation – but instead to invite people who need food, help and companionship. In other words, exercise love rather than pride.
Discussion Questions
1. What gives you the most distractions while trying to “still your soul” in prayer?
2. What keeps you busy that you sometimes forget about focusing on faith?
3. In what ways do you find yourself too self-absorbed? How can you turn your heart outward in love instead?
Brought to you by Jeffrey S. Arrowood at From the Abbey, dedicated to helping you rediscover the JOY of learning and living your faith so you can grow in intimacy with God.