In the gospel today Jesus is sitting at table with one of the leading pharisees and while the high ranking guests scrutinize closely his outward observance of the law, Jesus himself observes the 'silent rules' that determine attitudes and behaviour. Jesus speaks of the virtue of the 'lowest place' or humility as opposed to pride. His attention is focused more on the inner virtues inspired by religion than on religion observance. He challenges the conventional patterns of reciprocity and proposes the new measures of true virtue. The first reading speaks of the 'proud man's malady' and suggests as remedy a healing life philosophy: 'the greater you are the more humbly you should behave'. Contrary to what has become normal practice on inter-personal, social and political levels, this should set the tone of our daily living. Our heart is the frontier of our identity. Seeking honour and esteem in life is something sensible and to be commended but when it is sought at the detriment of others and at the cost of one's inner peace, then it makes us lose touch with our inner self and creates disharmony. When life becomes an ego-trip whatever the cost, then true relations cannot be built. We must avoid the false self of egocentric desires or the narcissicitic self, and build up a true self in God - gentle and compassioate with both oneself and with others.
