Don't stumble, be humble

DID you hear the story about the wife who always insisted that she was right? Finally, she was left!

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People who think they are always right, people who think they are better and greater than others would do well to listen to Jesus' message about humility in today's Gospel (Lk: 1,7-14). "For whoever makes himself out to be great will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be raised." Take the road of humility, and you can't go wrong. Remember, pride comes before the fall. All too often, we look back at our lives with regret because we did not learn the basic lesson of humility in life. If only we were humble, we would not have stumbled.

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For those who think they are somebody, listen to D.L. Moody's reflection on Moses who spent 40 years thinking he was somebody; then he spent 40 years in the desert realizing he was nobody; finally he spent the last 40 years of his life learning what God can do with a nobody. The problem with many of us is that we spend our whole lifetime thinking and proving that we are somebody, when all we need to be is to be a someone.

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I had the privilege of interviewing Bishop Oscar Solis last Aug. 22. It was good to see and talk again with "Ochie" who was one year my senior at Christ the King Seminary. Aside from his good looks, open mindedness, wit, passion and compassion, Bishop Solis struck me with his genuine humility. He acknowledges his unworthiness for his office as auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, California, and the presence of grace all throughout his formation years (eight of which were with the SVD), and all throughout his 25 years as a priest. He evokes respect and dignity as a bishop and as a person because of his humility and sincerity. It is not difficult to appreciate this "Dude" (his own words) because he knows how to self-depreciate.

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Bishop Solis and I were in the seminary basketball varsity team. He is mean on three-point and lay-up shots. Again what I remember most about him is his ability for team work, a trait which he often emphasizes in his work now to serve all the ethnic groups, and not only the Filipinos in Los Angeles. This is very much in line with today's Gospel message of inviting to the feast not only those who are familiar and the influential.

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On a personal note, I specifically noted the personal devotion of Bishop Solis to the Blessed Mother. We share a common practice of carrying and praying the rosary since our childhood days. I remember again the words of our novice master, the late Fr. Alphonse Mildner, SVD: "You can become a priest without the Blessed Mother, but I doubt if you will become a good priest without the Blessed Mother." May Mama Mary teach us deep gratitude and true humility.

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One final note: When I asked Bishop Solis what he will say to God when he finally comes face to face with Him, he paused, bowed his head, and then with a smile, looked up and said: "Why me, God? What have I ever done to deserve all the blessings in my lifetime?" I knew in my heart that this was coming from a man who has known success as well as trials in life, and who has held on to God in humility. I pray that he becomes a cardinal someday. But knowing Bishop Solis, the good basketball player that he is, he remains focused not on the points, but on the goal.

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Confucius once said that there are three methods to become wise: By reflection, which is the noblest; by imitation which is the easiest; by experience which is the bitterest. Having cancer is a bitter, painful experience, but it has led my sister-in-law Ditas Colet Orbos and all of us to a lot of learning and wisdom. Ditas calls cancer a gift, for out of this dreaded killer has come out many life-giving realizations and healing. Please pray for Ditas. Pray for all cancer patients and survivors that they may continue to give wisdom, inspiration and life to all of us.

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Sickness and other tragedies are humbling experiences. They make us realize once more who we are and who God is. In our busy lives, we tend to forget the best exercise, that of bending one's knees, and that of raising up one's hands in surrender to God. Try as we might, we can't go on running away from God, nor can we in resentment continue to fight God. Stop fighting God. You can't win. Start loving God. You will win.

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Ella Sanchez of Executive Resources has started doing local Marian pilgrimages. The first one was in beautiful Bohol. The second one will be on September 22 to 24 going to Manaoag, Agoo, Baguio and the Isla Maria in Pangasinan. Yes, let's help promote local tourism and be nourished spiritually in our very own beautiful country. For particulars, please call +63 2 523 8581 to 88.

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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, help me to be humble so that I do not stumble. Amen.