Fr. Samuel Hakeem, OP

Fr. Samuel challenges common misconceptions about humility in this insightful homily for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Drawing from Sirach and Luke's Gospel, he reveals that true humility isn't about hiding our gifts or making ourselves small, but about being "grounded" - knowing who we are and operating within our God-given strengths. Learn the etymology of humility (from "humus" - ground), practical advice from Jesus about banquet seating, and why embracing our calling is actually an act of humility, not pride.

Recorded at the National Diocesan Vocation Directors Conference in Huntington, New York, Fr. Samuel draws from St. Paul's letter to the Thessalonians and Genesis. His homily explores why "it's not good for the man to be alone" applies beyond marriage to all human relationships, including celibate religious life. Learn how God reveals His love through our love for one another and why even vocations directors need fraternal support. A thoughtful reflection on community, loneliness in ministry, and the universal human need for connection.

In our Gospel today, the people of Jesus' hometown needed him to prove he was worthy before they would believe in him. Do we need God to work our own private miracle for us before we believe? Our faith in God should not be transactional, "give me this and then I will believe." Faith is a relationship with God which should naturally deepen as a response to the love God pours out on us each day. May you know and grow in Christ's love.

In the first reading for Mass today (Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38), we hear about the Tent of Dwelling, where Moses could always encounter God because God dwelled there. In our days, we have tabernacles in Catholic churches where we know God is always present. Avail yourself of these.

In today's Gospel from Matthew 8:28-34, Jesus heals two demoniacs by sending their demons into swine who then hurled themselves into the sea and died. Confronting our own demons often looks this tumultuous, yet if we will allow, God is there to help us through it. What demons do you need to cast out? Can you suffer the tumult and allow God to help?

In today's Gospel, we hear of Jesus who calms the storm when he is in the boat, and asks, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?" Do we realize that he is always with us in the boat in whatever storm comes our way? If not, perhaps we can do something as simple as attend Mass more often to wake up to this realization.