Our novice master, the “saintly” Fr. Mat Sanchez, S.J., used to tease us not to be “huwag-na-pa,” what is perhaps best described hypocritical false modesty: one who pretends to be modest or humble—“huwag na” or not wanting to be noticed—but actually wants to be praised, or even be the star or hero—-pa” for “sige pa” or more, more, more.
Fr. Mat would often tell us to beware of false humility. It is insidious and worse than pride.
This Sunday’s Gospel is not so much a warning as an antidote to this false humility. The Gospel, if we are to translate it into secular lingo, tells us: “If you have it, flaunt it!”
This, for me, is the best prescription for authentic humility: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
There are two common characteristics of salt and light that lead us to authentic humility.
One, salt and light do not call attention to themselves. Two, they both let others rise and shine.
Salt is perhaps the most basic of seasonings. I know cooks who use only salt for seasoning.
We’re told to use the right quantity of salt. If we put too little, the food tastes bland. If we put too much, it becomes salty.
The right amount of salt brings out the full flavor of the food—be it beef, pork, chicken or seafood.
The best nilaga, paksiw or tinola (variations of stew) is flavorful because of the right amount of salt. But no one raves about the salt. It is always the tender and delicious beef, the fresh fish or produce—never the salt!
Light is at its best when it illumines the place and the things around it because it helps people see the way. It prevents people from bumping into things or walls.
Genuine humility
This is the first proof of genuine humility: One puts to good use all of one’s gifts and resources, one’s talents and blessings to help others, but not to call attention to oneself. One does not hide one’s gifts and blessings, but rather uses them properly.
The second common characteristic of salt and light is what we have already mentioned—bringing out the best in others, letting others rise and shine.
“If you have it, flaunt it!” But there is a mitigating element here—flaunt it to help others, so that they may see the graciousness of the source of the blessing and give glory to God.
One of the country’s icons of style and philanthropy embodies this virtue of being salt of the earth and light of the world. When she hosts an event, whether it be religious, a charity, a social gathering, or even a Mass or simple merienda, she pays attention to every detail and makes sure everything is done with beauty, taste, elegance and excellence.
One guest who had been to an event with her twice put it very aptly. He said, “She is so graceful. Grace flows from her fingertips.”
This is a common reaction of people who meet her. But more than this is how good people feel after an encounter with this lady of grace.
We have a set of common friends who join us monthly for First Friday Mass; just a few days ago one of them sent me a text message, saying what a privilege and blessing it is to be with this lady once a month, how much peace and kindness they feel when they are in her presence.
Special gift
This is a special gift, a special grace to make others feel good and blessed simply through one’s being and presence—or simply put, grace.
The opposite of this is a narcissistic personality. These are the persons whose light shines, but who do not allow other lights to shine. As one great techie said, “We can work together, provided I am the boss.”
These are the people who do and achieve great things, but they also hold on to the power and the glory to the very end. And when they go, most, if not everything they do, goes with them because they did not mentor anyone.
This is not the kind of “flaunting” this Sunday’s Gospel talks about.
“If you have it, flaunt it.” Greatness must shine to let others aspire for greatness and bring out the best in themselves. Good teachers do this. Real servants live this out. Authentic leaders inspire.
Ignatius of Loyola said that a spiritual director is one who leads a person to an encounter with God, and a good spiritual director is one who gets out of the way when a person gets to this point of encounter.
This is what this Sunday’s Gospel tells us. Being salt and light is bringing out the best in others, helping them discover their goodness and excellence. It is helping them discover God in themselves and in their life.
