The clear definition of Sirach is confirmed and reinforced, so to speak, by the word of Jesus in the Gospel: “the Lord from the humble is glorified”. Yet, even humility must be weighed and verified as well as continually freed from the hypocrisy that is capable of nesting itself in the holiest things. While it is true that we should not be afraid of being told: Cèdigli the place it remains true that we can not expect to be told: “come further”. The Lord does not want to punish us by continually degrading us from what are the recognitions we need. He accompanies us gently and firmly to occupy that place that has always and forever been ours, prepared for us since the foundation of the world and which, normally, is neither the first nor the last … it is ours. What makes the difference is the awareness of having to honor the one who invited you and him to participate in the joy of the “heavenly Jerusalem in the festive and serene gathering” of those who are sure of having a place in the heart of God. The attitude that the Lord Jesus invites us to assume in all areas of our life is that of an education full of sincere attention to the other. This simple and necessary education is expressed in a word like the one used when inviting someone to enter an environment or to take food: “please…!”. In this word, a simple and even false kindness could be hidden, or the sincere desire to give precedence to the other in order to show him all the joy of being with him and enjoying his company.

Commentary by b. Michael David, osb Novalesa Abbey

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves, Prinknash Abbey