For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. — Psalm 89:2

Mass readings:1 Peter 5:5-14 / Mark 16:15-20 

Great Humility 

As a newspaper reporter, I interviewed many people of accomplishment. Some — vain and self-centered — were overly proud of their success. Others were amazingly humble. They often had a brilliant talent, yet they refused to believe in their own superiority. They recognized that a teacher or mentor had made their success possible. Often they believed that God had blessed them and they were obligated to make the most of their talent. This kind of modesty was very attractive. Their humility elevated them even more. 

In today’s reading Peter exhorts us to clothe ourselves with humility. God favors the humble. All of us have some trait or skill that sets us apart. We need to thank God for that gift and use it not to bring us praise or riches, but to praise God and to enrich others.

Prayer: Lord, help me use my gifts and talents to serve others.