Gospel Commentary: It's Hard to Be Humble

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky
HERALD Columnist
(From the Issue of 1/17/02)

Harsh language usually indicates pride or arrogance. Yet John the Baptist, one of the most compelling figures in the Gospel, at times used very harsh language. Without apology, he called the Pharisees a "brood of vipers" (Mt 3:7). Was John the Baptist a humble man?
Despite his powerful preaching and immense following, John's entire ministry prepared the way of the Lord. He identified the Lord as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" (Jn 1:30). Without rancor, he informs his disciples that Christ "is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me'" (Jn 1:31). Would an arrogant preacher be willing to lose his entire congregation in deference to another?
Humility simply recognizes reality for what it is. A humble man recognizes that he has superiors and inferiors. He also recognizes the equal dignity of everyone in the eyes of God. A humble man recognizes, in a most precise way, his virtues and his vices. In other words, a humble man sees -- or tries to see -- reality the way God created it and acts accordingly.
A humble man knows that some people and things are set apart for God. Some people and things are sacred. John knew that Christ was set apart. He acknowledged that he was unworthy to untie the sandals of the Lord (John 1:27). He was reluctant to baptize Christ and would not do it until Christ gave him permission (Mt 3:14-15). A humble man recognizes God's "sacred space" and that God has special rights over His space.
Every member of a family intuitively recognizes the rights of others over their space. Dad's basement workshop is his territory where no child should venture without permission. So also is mom's kitchen. Each child has his space in the bedroom. Individual clothes drawers are especially sacred to children. Ask any teenager! Children learn humility by learning to respect the sacred space of their parents and siblings.
A church is most especially a sacred space. Within each Catholic church, the sanctuary around the altar of Sacrifice is so sacred that the Lord, through the Church, has entrusted the priest as guardian. A humble man recognizes and defends the priest's unique responsibility as guardian of God's house. The priest directs and orders the liturgical celebration. The Liturgy is not a committee meeting and liturgical actions are not theater. The Liturgy is a representation of the history of Redemption which unfolds God's mighty deeds and engages the community in worship. Hence, those who assist the priest by serving, reading or distributing Communion do not have a right to these ministries. Their duties are privileges that are delegated by the priest and ought to be exercised in all humility.
At times it may appear that parents or priests are harsh or arrogant in the exercise of their responsibilities. It usually happens when it is necessary to say "no" to some request. No, you cannot use my power tools. No, you cannot stay out late tonight. No, the sanctuary of this church cannot be used as a stage for a school play. Although one's delivery may not always be perfect, sometimes "no" is the exact remedy in justice, and in humility.
Humility is a virtue that is easy to define but difficult to live. Sometimes it is necessary to make correct choices that annoy and offend others. Sin degrades man; and harsh language used in the service of man's dignity is no vice. John the Baptist used unpleasant language to bring the Pharisees to conversion so that they might rediscover their human dignity.
John, identified by Christ as "the greatest man born of a woman" (Mt 11:11), was indeed a humble man. He knew his role. He knew the limits of his space. He knew where he stood with the Lord and he acted accordingly. And he would not surrender to error or injustice. Therein lies his greatness and our challenge.

Fr. Pokorsky is administrator of St. Peter Mission in Washington, Va.

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