Choosing the Low Place

by Fr. Michael D. Accinni Reinhardt, MA, Mdiv, MS  |  08/31/2025  |  This Sunday's Reading

This week we receive a strong message about humility. Jesus reminds us not to seek praise or high places. Instead, he shows us that real honor comes when we let go of pride. Those who lift themselves up will be brought down, but those who stay low will be raised up by God. We are told to be gentle and humble and that we are part of something bigger than we can see. Jesus tells us that when we welcome the poor, the sick, and the outcast, we welcome blessings that will last forever. This is a good time to check our hearts.

Are we looking to impress others or are we quietly doing good and trusting God to see it? We should stop trying to get ahead and make room for God to lead us. Remember that the low place is not a punishment but instead is a place where God meets us, where grace grows, and where real joy begins. How many of us when we are having a special gathering invite the poor, the crippled, the lame or the blind?

It is a shame that our society has made it where we shy away from those people instead of calling them to us. Do you invite people because of what gifts they might bring you? Blessed are you who invite people when those people have no ability to repay you. Being gentle and wise brings more respect than being proud and boastful. Gentleness leads to better relationships and more peace.

Recognizing our smallness helps us see the greatness of God. It reminds us to be humble and grateful. Helping those in need without expecting anything in return reflects true Christian love. Service is a key aspect of living out our faith. Have you ever been in line at the grocery store and the person in front of you doesn’t have enough money to pay for their groceries? Have you offered to pick up the balance of what they owe so that they don’t have to put the items back?

Try it sometime because the inward feeling you receive would be like the Christmas Grinch and your heart just might grow ten times larger. (PC)