Homily; 22 Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scroll to the bottom for the Children’s Questions for this weekend!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we celebrate this 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Word of God calls us to embrace the path of humility as the way to true greatness in God’s eyes. The message we receive today reminds us that pride closes the heart, but humility opens it to God’s grace. To live humbly is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom—placing our trust in the Lord rather than in human recognition. It is through simplicity of heart, kindness, and selfless service that we reflect the love of Christ and find our place at God’s eternal banquet.

In the First Reading (Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29), The book of Sirach tells us, “My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” This advice is timeless. Humility softens the heart, opens the way to peace, and allows us to see life not as a competition, but as a gift. The proud person struggles to find rest, but the humble person is always at peace, because he/she knows that everything is in God’s hands.

In the Second Reading (Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24); The Letter to the Hebrews shows us that we have not come to a God who terrifies with thunder and fire, but to the living God who welcomes us with mercy in the heavenly Jerusalem. In Christ, we see God’s humility—He who is great has made Himself small to draw us nearby. The God of majesty has become the God of tenderness.

Finally, in the Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14), Jesus speaks with simplicity but with power. He tells us not to seek the first places, but the lowest. He shows us that true honor does not come from pushing ourselves forward but from waiting for God to lift us up. He also reminds us to invite those who cannot repay us—the poor, the lame, the blind. In other words, humility is not only an inner attitude but a way of life: treating others with kindness, showing love without expecting a reward, and giving because God has given to us first.

As we conclude our reflection this Sunday, we are reminded that the path of humility leads us closer to God and to one another. The call is simple yet profound: to live with hearts free from pride, to serve without seeking recognition, and to trust that God Himself will lift us up in due time. In our daily lives, this means choosing kindness over self-interest, listening more than speaking, and giving generously without expecting a reward. When we live this way, we not only follow the example of Christ, but we also prepare ourselves for a place at the banquet of God’s Kingdom.

Closing Prayer; Loving Father,
Your Word today has reminded us that true greatness is found in humility and in serving one another with love. Teach us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. Strengthen us in this Eucharist so that we may live with compassion, kindness, and humility each day. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

20 Questions for Children: Answer Yes or No

BIBLE KNOWLEDGE.

1. Was Jesus born in Bethlehem? Yes. (Luke 2:4-7)
2. Did angels tell the shepherds about Jesus? Yes. (Luke 2:10-12)
3. Did the Wise Men bring gifts to Jesus? Yes Matthew 2:11) (
4. Did Jesus need a boat to walk on the water? No. (Matthew 14:25)
5. Did Jesus have twelve apostles? Yes. (Matthew 10:1-2)
6. Did Jesus heal blind people? Yes. (John 9:1-7)
7. Does Jesus love children? Yes. (Matthew 19:14)
8. Did Jesus feed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish? Yes. (John 6:9-13)
9. Did Jesus Walk on water? Yes. (Matthew 14:25)
10. Did Peter sink because he was strong? No. (Matthew 14:30)
11. 11.Did Jesus die on the Cross for our sins? Yes. (John 19:30)
12.   Did Jesus rise from the dead on the third day? Yes (Matthew 28:6)
13. 13.Did Jesus stay dead in the tomb? No. (Matthew 28:6)
14. Did Thomas doubt that Jesus was alive? Yes. (John 20:24-25)
15. 15.Did the Holy Spirit come at Pentecost? Yes. (Acts 2:4)
16. Did the Holy Spirit come as a cloud of smoke?  No. (Acts 2:3-4)
17. Did Paul write letters to early Christians? Yes. (Romans 1:1-7)
18. 18.Did Paul write letters to animals?  No. (1 Corinthians 9:9)
19. Did Jesus teach that God loves children? Yes.  (Matthew 19:14)
20.   Did Jesus say children should be ignored? No. (Matthew 19:14)