Following on last week’s call for discipline, we have Sirach mentioning one of those disciplines that are essential: “conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.” Some see humility as a negative, as negating oneself and demeaning oneself before others as in having a low self-esteem. Such is not true humility, but a false humility imposed by others trying to dominate us for their own self-worth or pleasure.
In the Gospel Jesus points out a common issue in today’s world where people try to intimidate others by emphasizing their own personal sense of worth or value? “I have more power”, “I have more money”, I have greater status in the community”. I have witnessed even, bishops, priests, and others in faith communities having the same issues. Remember Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. If we truly do that there is no issue “status” but a reminder: How can you love a God you cannot see, if you cannot love a neighbor whom you can see?
Countenance of God 