As we journey through the sacred time of Feria IV after the Ascension, our hearts are called to meditate deeply on the virtues that prepare us for the Kingdom of Heaven. The liturgical readings of Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11 and Matthew 18:1-5 offer profound insights into the righteousness and humility that Christ desires in His followers.
Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11 – The Blessedness of the Just Man
“Blessed is the rich man who is found without blemish, and who has not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures.”
In Ecclesiasticus, we find a hymn to the righteous man, one who possesses wealth yet remains unstained by the sin of avarice. This passage reminds us that true blessedness lies not in the abundance of material riches but in the integrity and virtue with which one lives. The righteous man is one who, despite having the means, refrains from letting his heart be captivated by wealth. His joy is not in his possessions but in his virtuous life, free from the taint of greed.
This Scripture challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we unduly attached to material wealth? Do we allow our possessions to define our worth or dictate our actions? The truly blessed are those who can possess without being possessed, who can have without being had. It is a call to prioritize spiritual wealth over earthly treasures, to seek the incorruptible riches of God’s grace.
Matthew 18:1-5 – The Childlike Spirit
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'”
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus provides a startling answer to His disciples’ question about greatness. He places a child before them, emphasizing that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who possess childlike humility. This passage highlights the virtue of humility as essential for entrance into the heavenly kingdom.
To become like children is to embrace a spirit of trust, simplicity, and dependency on God. Children, in their innocence and purity, offer no pretense. They live with an open heart, relying fully on their parents for everything. Similarly, we are called to trust completely in our Heavenly Father, shedding all pretensions of self-sufficiency.
The humility Christ speaks of is not mere modesty but a profound acknowledgment of our dependence on God. It requires a renunciation of pride and an acceptance of our true stature before the Almighty. This childlike humility is the bedrock of sanctity and the pathway to true greatness in the eyes of God.
Living the Lessons of Righteousness and Humility
As we reflect on these readings during Feria IV after the Ascension, we are invited to integrate these virtues into our daily lives. The ascension of Christ into heaven calls us to lift our hearts and minds to higher things, to aspire to the holiness that prepares us for eternal life with Him.
- Examine Your Attachments: Consider the things to which you are most attached. Are they drawing you closer to God, or are they hindering your spiritual growth? Practice detachment, focusing on the eternal rather than the temporal.
- Embrace Humility: Cultivate a childlike trust in God. In your prayers, approach Him with the simplicity and openness of a child, acknowledging your dependence on His grace.
- Live Virtuously: Strive to live a life of integrity and righteousness. Let your actions reflect your faith, seeking to be blameless and upright in all your dealings.
- Seek Spiritual Riches: Prioritize your spiritual life. Engage in practices that nurture your soul, such as prayer, meditation, and acts of charity. Let your greatest treasure be your relationship with God.
By embodying these virtues of righteousness and humility, we prepare ourselves for the fullness of life in Christ, both now and in the world to come. As we continue to celebrate the mystery of the Ascension, let us aspire to the heights of holiness, where true greatness is found in the humble and the pure of heart.