Golden Mean

Summary of a Fr. Gerry Creedon homily from September 02, 2007

"For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" Luke 14:11

When I first came to the USA, I was surprised by the way the Redskins celebrated touchdowns. The scorer danced surrounded by his teammates, making sure that his number was well displayed to the cameras.

By way of contrast, a hurler from Kilkenny or Cork, who had won the game for his county after scoring 3 goals and ten points, would sheepishly deflect the questions of the press with, "I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time and to be a part of such a great team!" In the Ireland, I grew up with the idea that self promotion was not acceptable.

Perhaps there is a golden mean between diminishment and pride.

Cardinal McCarrick visited here last week for a funeral. He is one of the most distinguished figures in the Catholic hierarchy. At the presentation of the gifts, a little girl brought up the cup. As he received the cup the cardinal genuflected, making himself eye level with the child. It was a natural sign of a graceful and humble man.

May we learn to accept ourselves as God made us with our own particular gifts and limitations.