Many will remember the famed Miami Dolphins football coach, Don Shula. Years ago, he and his family took a vacation in northern Maine. One rainy afternoon, they decided to go see a movie.
When they entered the small theater, the house lights were still on and only six other people were seated. As Shula and his family walked in, the entire group stood up and applauded. Shula smiled and waved, then walked over and asked, “How did you recognize me?”
One man replied, “Sir, we don’t know who you are. But the theater manager told us that unless more people showed up, they wouldn’t show the movie.”
Shula was the first to laugh, then warmly shook the man’s hand. It was natural for him to assume the applause was for him – but he quickly saw the humor and truth in the moment. And in doing so, he showed humility.
This story illustrates the heart of today’s readings: our Christian call to humility.
But first, we must ask: What is humility? What does it mean to be humble?
In the truest Christian sense, humility means to be like Christ. Jesus said, “Learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart … The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
To be humble is to live not for our own glory, but for the sake of others – to use our gifts and talents, as Jesus did, in service to those in need.
Before creating the beloved “Peanuts” cartoons, Charles Schulz worked at the Bureau of Engraving. There, he met a man named Charlie Brown – the real-life inspiration for his famous character. Both men eventually left that job. Schulz became a cartoonist, while Charlie Brown chose a different path: working as a counselor at a home for troubled youth.
Charlie Brown was a devout Catholic. He quietly lived a life of faith and service, and passed away from cancer in 1983. After his death, a colleague wrote: “He saw his life as doing the works of charity, following the example of Christ and the Saints.”
That same coworker noted something remarkable: not one of the boys who lived at the detention center while Charlie worked there ever returned to prison. His work left such an impact that he was often invited to speak about social work at the University of Minnesota.
Despite being lifelong friends, Charlie Brown never accepted Schulz’s offer to share in the “Peanuts” profits. He never even told anyone he was the inspiration behind the iconic character.
This is humility. Quiet, faithful, powerful humility.
My friends, this story is a living example of Christlike humility – the kind we are called to embody. It is the humility of Jesus Himself. And, when lived sincerely, it is the humility that has the power to transform hearts, minds, lives and the world around us.
Two beautiful wonderful stories. God Bless you Father Bob.