Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
eBulletin August 31, 2025
Digital copies of the printed bulletin are available in both English and Spanish (click on the language)
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 1:30pm and 2 to 6pm
619-233-3888
“We are called to humility. To emptiness. So God can fill us.”
The Call to Humility
Both the first reading and the gospel are clearly calling us to humility. In the Book of Sirach we read, “Conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” And in the gospel, when we are invited to a banquet, we are to take the lowest place. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
St. Ignatius was clear on the importance of humility. In a key meditation in which we are asked to consider whose team are we on, Satan’s or Christ’s, we are invited to embrace a life of humility. We are actually asked to pray for poverty as opposed to riches, insults as opposed to honor, and humility as opposed to pride. Ignatius is clear that humility is the way of Jesus.
It is so easy to fill ourselves with stuff. With glories and praises of the world, which sparkle like jewels, but which really do not satisfy us. It is hard to empty ourselves, to take the path of humility always. And yet it is so important to empty ourselves of pride so that God can then fill us.
Going to court to accompany migrants is a call to emptiness. It is a call to humility. It is very hard. At every turn we volunteers are wanting to offer something—to help them with a phone number, or do something else to make us feel good about ourselves, something to justify our presence there. But actually, I think our greatest gift is just being quietly humble and present. And feeling the powerlessness of the people who come. We do much if we offer our poor presence, if we feel useless right alongside them in the face of powers that are too great for us. Instead of doing what our parents and the world have told us all our lives, “Don’t just stand there, do something!”, instead I think it should be, “Don’t just do something, stand there!”
Why did God choose Mary if it wasn’t because she was empty and had space for him? What did Mary choose Juan Diego if it wasn’t because he was empty and had space for her and her request? We are called to humility. To emptiness. So God can fill us.
St. Ignatius was clear on the importance of humility. In a key meditation in which we are asked to consider whose team are we on, Satan’s or Christ’s, we are invited to embrace a life of humility. We are actually asked to pray for poverty as opposed to riches, insults as opposed to honor, and humility as opposed to pride. Ignatius is clear that humility is the way of Jesus.
It is so easy to fill ourselves with stuff. With glories and praises of the world, which sparkle like jewels, but which really do not satisfy us. It is hard to empty ourselves, to take the path of humility always. And yet it is so important to empty ourselves of pride so that God can then fill us.
Going to court to accompany migrants is a call to emptiness. It is a call to humility. It is very hard. At every turn we volunteers are wanting to offer something—to help them with a phone number, or do something else to make us feel good about ourselves, something to justify our presence there. But actually, I think our greatest gift is just being quietly humble and present. And feeling the powerlessness of the people who come. We do much if we offer our poor presence, if we feel useless right alongside them in the face of powers that are too great for us. Instead of doing what our parents and the world have told us all our lives, “Don’t just stand there, do something!”, instead I think it should be, “Don’t just do something, stand there!”
Why did God choose Mary if it wasn’t because she was empty and had space for him? What did Mary choose Juan Diego if it wasn’t because he was empty and had space for her and her request? We are called to humility. To emptiness. So God can fill us.
We are grateful for your contribution of time, talent, and treasure. With your support, we can continue to serve our parish community. Consider making your Sunday Offering online by visiting olgsd.org/giving.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Report Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The Diocese of San Diego takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and addresses them promptly, confidentially, and with integrity. To report any incident of sexual misconduct, please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator.
Criminal abuse that is reported or suspected is reported to law enforcement in accordance with civil law.
Criminal abuse that is reported or suspected is reported to law enforcement in accordance with civil law.