Being Humble and Thankful

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

July 05, 2020

in Spritual Growth

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July 5, 2020 HOMILY SUMMARY:
4th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines
July 5, 2020

Readings: Zechariah 9: 9-12
Roman 7:21 – 8:6
Matthew 11: 25- 30

The Gospel today is very relevant and is talking about what is happening in these current times. The selfishness of people all around us is so prevalent. Just like during the time of Jesus where He had been ministering to the people, showing them miraculous deeds and good works. As soon as he leaves them, they go back to their old ways. And yet, Instead of condemning these people, Jesus still praised God for being the Lord. He was thankful that the things of God were kept from the wise and the intelligent, but were shared with the humble and those who are grateful. The heart is the home, and not the head. Many times, there are conflicts between our minds and our hearts.

In today’s world, man has delved deeply into how nature works. This is true even with governments, colleges, universities, institutions and groups who are putting so much time and effort in gaining knowledge, and yet when it comes to the things of God, they do not know. Sadly, even theologians are this way, trying to delve into the deep things of Theology that they do not really know God.

God wants man to be thankful and humble for the gifts given to us. We need to give glory to Him. There should always be a dependence and humility upon God. Intellectual pride brings division. Nothing is sure and it does not bring stability. All these differences and divisions are horrendous. Congress and the Senate are not united; arrogance and pride have taken precedence among many groups. Our attitude should be God, not ourselves. God’s Word is the foundation of our lives. We should be thankful that God has given us the mysteries and be humble to receive them. Unfortunately what we see are people attacking each other, thinking of ourselves as better than the others. God wiped away our sins and gave us holiness and righteousness. He is the only answer we have.

In the world today, things are failing. Covid cases are rising inspite of precautions. There is no hope except in God. Our trust should be in Him. “If My people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.” Are we seeing this? Are we praying in humility for His forgiveness and healing?

1 Corinthians 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

1st Timothy 6:20 Guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.
Christ said to take His yoke upon us, and learn from Him. For he is gentle and humble in heart. And He will give us rest. Jesus is helping us carry the load so our burdens become light. If we believe that Christ came, then we’ve got to manifest His life. We can win battles if we know that God is with us. He will raise us up. We have much to be thankful for.