"Who humbles himself will be exalted"

"Humility and Exaltation are such terms that inevitably create tension, as we face the currents of the two worlds colliding, and pulling us in an opposite direction. At such juncture, discernment is crucial to grow in wisdom and to conduct our affairs wisely for a smooth and steady pilgrimage of life. Otherwise, we might lose the battle of character, obscure the vision, and suffer a mighty fall.

the current of this world promotes exaltation and abhors humility. In general, people look up to those who have successfully achieved honor and glory among men. society loves heroes and adorns them in every possible way. this gives ample opportunity to the youngest to emulate such celebrated figures. Indeed, everyone wants to be the apple of the eye at any cost, while in the process, losing sight for greater liv8ing in the Kingdom of God.

The virtue of humility is the fruit of the spiritual journey of faith. the greater the awareness of the Almighty in one's life, the greater is the humility. This journey breaks the human personality in the eyes of the world and enjoins it to something more profound, that is, more attuned to the melody of God resounding everywhere. Therefore, Jesus says, "for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

The Sacred Scripture speaks volumes about humility and faith very loudly and clearly for all to hear, to understand, and to grow in wisdom. It was not something God imposed on us but He himself walked that path of humility.St. Paul writing to the Philippians said, "Although He existed in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man-, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason, also, God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bend of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth and that every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Our spiritual journey should lead us to grow in humility and faith. We have to emulate our Master Jesus, who gladly walked the path of humility to show us the way to our Father. We have to grow in this wisdom to make our life worthwhile. Otherwise, the wealth and the glory of this world will crumble, coming down upon us and crushing us to dust upon the earth. ( Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx, Pastor, St. Tim.