Arrogance VS. Humility

Gospel, Matthew 23:1-12

"Then addressing the crowds and his disciples Jesus said, 'The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do and observe what they tell you; but do not be guided by what they do, since they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people's shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they! Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader headbands and longer tassels, like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues, being greeted respectfully in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi. 'You, however, must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one Master, and you are all brothers. You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who raises himself up will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be raised up."

Picture this - a world where people smile at each other; a world where younger people give up their seats to the older ones;  a world where people are not mocking and bashing each other; a world where people are not taking advantages to each other; a world where people are not thinking about their selves only; a world where people pray not just for themselves but also praying for the whole humankind.

I remembered the movie "Pay It Forward" (2000), which is a very great movie by the way, where a little boy was asked by his teacher what puts the idea of the "Pay It Forward" movement into his head and he answered, "Because everything sucks." His answer may sound rude and funny at the same time but come to think of it. Our Earth is now ruled by the worldly pleasures. Everyone is striving and craving for fame, money, wealth, prestige, and power. Almost everyone is fighting each other just to have the security that they will never suffer.

BUT... behind these grievous things that are seen here on Earth, behind every arrogance, there lies HUMILITY. It is when we humble ourselves and embrace the truth the there is God, the most superior of all, who is watching our every move. It is when we realize that the real happiness and security are only find in His arms. It is when we gave up craving for these worldly pleasures and realizing that He is all we need all along.

Isn't it nice living in the world where everyone is humbling themselves, the leaders are directing the country with honesty, and everyone is united with love and in faith in God? :) Just thinking about it makes me smile. How much more if it is really happening right now?