Sunday 22 in Year C

Embracing Humility and Vulnerability: Following Jesus to the Edges

As I reflect on the powerful symbolism found in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, I am reminded of the profound invitation that lies at the heart of our Christian journey. The main entrance to this sacred church is barely a metre high, requiring every adult to bow low, almost to their knees, before entering. This simple, physical act is not just a matter of architecture—it is a living parable, a call to humility, and a reminder of the posture we are invited to adopt as we approach the mystery of God made flesh.

In this blog post, I want to explore the main theme of my recent homily: the true meaning of humility, the gift of vulnerability, and the call to follow Jesus to the margins of our communities. I will break down each insight, offering practical and spiritual guidance for anyone seeking to live out these Gospel values in the context of parish life and beyond.

1. Humility: More Than Self-Deprecation

Understanding True Humility

Humility is often misunderstood, especially in our Australian context. There’s a cultural tendency to equate humility with self-deprecation—making fun of ourselves or putting ourselves down. But this is not the humility that Jesus models or invites us into.

Rooted in “Humus”: The word “humility” comes from the Latin humus, meaning earth or soil. To be humble is to be “down to earth”—grounded, real, and secure in our identity as beloved children of God.
Not Thinking Less of Ourselves: True humility is not about thinking poorly of ourselves. It is about thinking less about ourselves and more about others—how they inspire, challenge, and call us into deeper life.
Grounded in Identity: Humility is knowing who we are before God. It is the recognition that all we have and are is a gift, and that our worth is not measured by status, achievement, or the opinions of others.

Actionable Advice:

Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal your true identity as his beloved child.
Practise gratitude daily, recognising the gifts you have received rather than focusing on your shortcomings.
When you catch yourself engaging in self-deprecating humour, pause and reframe your words to reflect your true worth.

2. Vulnerability: The Pathway to Connection

Embracing Our Need

Jesus’ ministry was marked by a radical openness to those on the margins—the poor, the lame, the outcast. He invites us not to stand above or apart from them, but to sit with them, to share in their vulnerability.

Choosing the Lowest Place: In the Gospel, Jesus observes the Pharisees seeking places of honour. He instructs us to take the lowest place, not as an act of false modesty, but as a way to find our true selves among those who have nothing to boast of except their need.
Vulnerability as Strength: It is in our vulnerability that we are most open to God’s grace and to authentic relationships with others. When we admit our need, we make space for God and for community.
Solidarity with the Marginalised: By identifying with those on the periphery, we discover a profound connection—not only with them, but with Christ himself, who chose to be born among the poor and excluded.

Actionable Advice:

Seek out opportunities to serve or spend time with those who are often overlooked in your parish or neighbourhood.
Share your own struggles and needs with trusted friends or in prayer, rather than hiding behind a façade of self-sufficiency.
Reflect on the ways Jesus was vulnerable in his ministry, and ask for the grace to follow his example.

3. From Law to Grace: Living in the Joyful Community

The Two Mountains

The Letter to the Hebrews contrasts two mountains: Mount Sinai, the place of law, fear, and judgement; and Mount Zion, the city of the living God, a place of joy, welcome, and grace.

Leaving Fear Behind: We are not called to live in fear of judgement, but to enter into the joyful assembly of God’s people, where all are welcome by grace.
Belonging, Not Earning: Our place in God’s family is not something we achieve by our own goodness, but a gift we receive in humility and vulnerability.
A Community of Grace: The Church is meant to be a community where everyone, especially those on the edges, finds a home.

Actionable Advice:

Examine your own attitudes towards those who are different or on the margins. Are there ways you can be more welcoming?
Participate actively in parish life, not just as a consumer, but as a contributor to the community of grace.
Pray for a deeper experience of God’s unconditional love, and let that love overflow to others.

4. Walking in the Dust of the Rabbi: Following Jesus to the Edges

The Call to Discipleship

To know the Lord is to follow him—to walk “in the dust of the rabbi,” as the ancient saying goes. Jesus continually leads us to the edges, to those who are vulnerable, excluded, or forgotten.

Accompanying Jesus: Discipleship is not a spectator sport. It means going where Jesus goes, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging.
Mission on the Margins: Our parish mission statement calls us to a deeper knowledge of Jesus, to be drawn closer to him, and then to share him with our neighbours—especially those on the margins.
Inviting Others to the Banquet: The ultimate goal is to invite everyone, especially the least and the lost, to the banquet table of the Lord.

Actionable Advice:

Take time to discern where Jesus is calling you to serve—perhaps in a ministry to the poor, the sick, or the lonely.
Invite someone who feels excluded or overlooked to join you at Mass or a parish event.
Reflect regularly on the Gospels, asking how you can imitate Jesus’ example of reaching out to those on the edges.

5. Opening Ourselves to Grace: The Heart of the Christian Life

Letting God Lead

At the heart of all these reflections is a simple but profound invitation: to open ourselves to God’s grace, to let him teach us who he is, and to allow that knowledge to transform our lives.

Prayerful Openness: Make space each day for prayer, asking God to reveal himself more deeply to you.
Ongoing Conversion: Be willing to let go of old patterns of pride, self-reliance, or exclusion, and to embrace the humility and vulnerability that lead to true life.
Sharing the Journey: Remember that we are not called to walk this path alone. The parish community is a place where we can support one another in living out these values.

Actionable Advice:

Commit to a regular time of prayer and reflection, even if it is just a few minutes each day.
Seek out spiritual companionship—perhaps through a small group, a spiritual director, or a trusted friend.
Look for concrete ways to share God’s love with others, especially those who may feel far from the Church.

Conclusion: Living the Invitation

The low door of the Church of the Nativity is a daily reminder that the way to God is through humility and vulnerability. As we bow low, we are lifted up—not by our own efforts, but by the grace of the One who became small for our sake. Let us walk together, following Jesus to the edges, and invite all to share in the banquet of God’s love.

May our parish mission be not just words on a page, but a living reality—a community marked by humility, vulnerability, and joyful service. Let us open ourselves to God’s grace, and allow him to lead us ever deeper into the mystery of his love.

If you found this reflection helpful, I invite you to share it with others in your parish or community. Let us continue to encourage one another as we seek to follow Jesus more faithfully, especially to the places where he is most needed.

Community, Humility, Mission, Vulnerability