My soul is thirsting for the living God. — Psalm 42

Mass Readings: Philippians 1:18-26 / Luke 14:1,7-11 

The Lowest Place 

Soon after receiving the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and one of her nuns boarded a Pan Am flight in London. When the stewardess led them to spacious first- class seats, Mother objected. It wasn’t just a matter of rejecting a “place of honor” like those described in today’s Gospel. For Missionaries of Charity, flying first class violated a vow of poverty and solidarity with the poor. The airline had upgraded this VIP’s seats without asking. When she saw that Pan Am was embarrassed about the “mistake,” and that coach seats were no longer available, Mother Teresa quietly sat down. She understood today’s parable about humility and seating arrangements. 

Humility means gracious acceptance, a surrendering of our preferences and pride. Humility might even mean an unwanted first-class seat. 

Prayer: Lord, teach me humility, freeing me from concern about where others place or seat me.