HONOR
The concept of honor holds profound significance in both the Old and New Testaments, carrying deep spiritual and moral implications for believers. In Hebrew, the word for honor, “kavod,” conveys the idea of giving weight, respect, reverence, prominence, or glory to someone or something. This rich meaning is echoed in the Greek language as well, emphasizing the importance of honor in our relationships with God and others.
One of the most fundamental expressions of honor in Scripture is found in the Fourth Commandment: “Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Ex 20:12). This divine instruction calls us to show respect, obedience, and support to our parents, recognizing their role as co-creators with God in bringing us into existence and nurturing our growth. The Catechism of the Catholic Church expands on this, stating that “God has willed that, after him, we should honor our parents to whom we owe life and who have handed on to us the knowledge of God” (CCC 2197).
However, our understanding of honor extends beyond our earthly parents to encompass our relationship with God Himself. Jesus Christ, the perfect exemplar of filial obedience, demonstrated this dual honor throughout His life. As a child, He was obedient to Mary and Joseph, as we see in Luke 2:51: “He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them.” Yet, His ultimate allegiance was to His heavenly Father, as evidenced by His unwavering commitment to the Father’s will, even unto death on the cross (Phil 2:8-9).
The apostle Paul exhorts us to emulate Christ’s attitude of humility and obedience towards the Father (Phil 2:5). This call to honor God through Jesus is of paramount importance, as Jesus Himself declared, “Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him” (Jn 5:23). This truth underscores the inseparable nature of our relationship with the Father and the Son.
Tragically, history has shown instances where God’s messengers were dishonored and rejected. Jesus lamented over Jerusalem’s treatment of the prophets, saying, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her young under her wings, but you were unwilling!” (Mt 23:37). This rejection of God’s messengers, culminating in the crucifixion of Jesus, represents a profound dishonoring of the Father who sent them.
The apostle John emphasizes the crucial link between honoring the Son and the Father: “No one who denies the Son has the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well” (1 Jn 2:23). This teaches us that our worship and reverence for Jesus are intrinsically connected to our honor and obedience to the Father.
REFLECTION
As Christians, we are called to reflect deeply on the meaning of honor in our lives. We must strive to honor our parents, recognizing their God-given authority and the sacrifices they have made for us. This honor should be expressed through love, gratitude, obedience, and support, especially as they age or face difficulties.
More importantly, we are called to honor God in all aspects of our lives. This means placing Him at the center of our existence, obeying His commandments, and striving to live in a manner that reflects His love and grace. We honor God by honoring His Son, Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as our Lord and Savior, and following His teachings with sincere hearts.
Let us remember that true honor goes beyond mere words or outward gestures. It involves a deep, internal disposition of reverence, respect, and love. As we cultivate this spirit of honor towards God and our fellow human beings, we align ourselves more closely with God’s will and open ourselves to the transformative power of His grace.
May we, as faithful disciples, continually seek to honor God in all that we do, recognizing that in doing so, we fulfill our highest calling and find our truest joy and purpose in life.
In a world that often prioritizes self-interest and immediate gratification, the call to honor others and God can seem counter-cultural. Yet, this call is foundational to our Christian identity and mission. By honoring our parents, we recognize and appreciate the sacrifices they have made, fostering family bonds and societal stability. By honoring God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and express our love through obedience and reverence.
As Christians, let us strive to cultivate a spirit of honor in our daily lives. Let us honor our parents with love and gratitude, support them in their needs, and seek to build a legacy of respect and integrity. Most importantly, let us honor God by placing Him at the center of our lives, living in accordance with His commandments, and embodying the love and grace of Jesus Christ in all that we do.
In doing so, we become beacons of light in a world in need of hope and transformation, fulfilling our calling to be the hands and feet of Christ. May God’s grace empower us to live honorably, and may our lives be a testament to His glory and love.