FrPhil-Homily-Nov5-2017

Cleaning Toilets with a Smile

Father Philip Smith: The reason we smile when we perform acts of service is because we know that God is helping us overcome our selfishness, that God is helping us serve and touch the lives of other people and share God’s joy with them.

Ways to grow in humility:

  1. Perform hidden acts of service for others
  2. Be willing to ask for help from other people
  3. Smile as we humbly serve other people

Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”