In the readings for Feria II after the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, we are presented with two profound passages: Ephesians 3:13-21 and Luke 14:1-11. These readings invite us to meditate on the mystery of God’s love and the humility that leads to true exaltation in the Kingdom of Heaven. Both passages reflect essential virtues of the Christian life: humility and charity, virtues foundational to our sanctification and union with God.
Ephesians 3:13-21: The Depth of Christ’s Love
In his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul prays that the believers may comprehend “the breadth and length and height and depth” of the love of Christ, which surpasses all knowledge. This profound expression of divine love reminds us that it is not something easily grasped by human reason alone, but something that must be experienced in the depths of the soul, through the indwelling of Christ by faith.
St. Jerome, reflecting on this passage, emphasizes that the love of Christ is immeasurable and infinite, transcending all worldly knowledge. He notes that this love is the foundation of our Christian life, for “to be rooted and grounded in love” (Eph. 3:17) means that every thought, word, and deed should spring forth from our union with Christ’s love. St. Augustine similarly teaches that this divine love draws us into the mystery of God’s life, stating that “when we love God for His own sake, and love others in God, we dwell in God, for God is love” (1 John 4:16).
St. Paul also speaks of the “riches of His glory,” which God wishes to impart to the faithful, strengthening them with power through the Holy Spirit. St. Gregory the Great explains that this refers to the supernatural graces necessary for our salvation, which come not by our merits, but as a free gift from the overflowing love of God. This passage serves as a reminder of the source of our strength: not in ourselves, but in the transformative power of God’s love, which brings us into communion with Him and fills us with “all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:19).
Luke 14:1-11: The Parable of the Wedding Feast
In Luke 14:1-11, we encounter a lesson on humility from Christ. Jesus observes the Pharisees choosing places of honor at a banquet and responds with the parable of the wedding feast. He teaches that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). This lesson on humility strikes at the heart of human pride and ambition, calling us to take the lowest place, trusting in God’s providence to exalt us in His time.
St. John Chrysostom comments on this passage, explaining that Christ’s teaching on humility is not just about outward behavior but about the disposition of the heart. To truly humble oneself means to recognize one’s own lowliness before God, acknowledging that all we have and all we are comes from Him. Chrysostom warns against the danger of seeking honor from men, as this distracts us from the pursuit of heavenly honor, which is of far greater value.
In a similar vein, St. Gregory the Great reminds us that pride was the first sin that separated man from God, and it is through humility that we are restored to grace. He writes, “Pride is the root of all evil, and humility is the root of all good.” The parable, therefore, is not merely a social lesson but a spiritual one: we are to seek humility in every aspect of our lives, especially in our relationship with God. To humble oneself is to align one’s will with God’s will, trusting that He will raise us up, not in this world, but in the world to come.
The Connection Between Charity and Humility
Both readings converge on the Christian virtues of charity and humility, which are intimately connected. As St. Augustine teaches, “Where there is humility, there is charity.” The love of Christ, as described by St. Paul in Ephesians, cannot dwell in a heart that is puffed up with pride. Only the humble soul, who acknowledges their dependence on God, can be filled with the fullness of divine love.
The Pharisees in Luke’s Gospel, who sought the places of honor, represent the opposite of this ideal. They were so consumed with their own sense of importance that they failed to recognize the One who was the source of all honor and glory. In contrast, Christ calls His followers to take the lowest place, to empty themselves of self-love, so that they may be filled with the love of God.
Application for Today
In our spiritual journey, these readings challenge us to examine our hearts. Are we seeking the honor that comes from the world, or are we humbling ourselves before God? Are we rooted and grounded in Christ’s love, or are we still striving to be self-sufficient?
In the spirit of Feria II after the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, we are reminded that the path to true exaltation is through humility. As we meditate on these passages, let us ask for the grace to grow in both humility and charity, following the example of Christ, who “humbled Himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8). Let us strive to make St. Paul’s prayer our own, that we may be “strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph. 3:16), and so come to know the love of Christ that surpasses all understanding.
In this way, we will be prepared for the eternal banquet in the Kingdom of Heaven, where the humble will be exalted, and the fullness of God’s love will be revealed to us in all its glory.
May the intercession of the saints and the teachings of the Church Fathers guide us on this path of humility and love, leading us ever closer to the heart of Christ.
This reflection draws upon the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the rich liturgical tradition of the Church, emphasizing the timeless virtues of humility and charity. In the liturgical context of Feria II after the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, it serves as a meditation on how we, too, can live out these virtues in our daily lives, ever mindful of our dependence on God’s grace.