On Humility and Trust: A Reflection by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak on Holy Monday

On Holy Monday, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak addressed the faithful with a homily in which he reflected on the deeper spiritual meaning of Holy Week.

The Metropolitan noted that throughout the Gospel, the Lord reveals to us the difference between good and evil, shows us the face of the merciful Father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, and warns against spiritual blindness—like that of the rich man who failed to see Lazarus at his doorstep. All of these, he said, serve as guideposts for how to live a life in Christ.

However, during Holy Week, this call becomes even more profound. It is not only an invitation to do good and avoid evil, but also a call to overcome our inner self-reliance and excessive trust in our own strength. “We often think that we have to fix everything, achieve everything, and save every situation,” he remarked, adding that this is precisely where we are called to humility.

The Metropolitan emphasized that, despite the importance of works of mercy—feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, and being attentive to the needs of others—“the most important thing is to realize that we cannot save ourselves.” “Our salvation is in the Lord. Our salvation comes through Christ’s sacrifice,” he stressed.

Referring to the image of the Bridegroom, which is central to the liturgical services of these days, he recalled the wise virgins who were ready for His coming. Their task, he explained, was not one of constant activity, but of readiness and watchfulness: “They wait. They wait for the coming of the Bridegroom.” We, too, are called to be prepared—to keep our lamps lit—while recognizing that the work of salvation belongs to God.

“Let us trust in the Lord. Let us have faith. And let us embrace the lightness of heart that comes when we know that God is the one who saves,” the Metropolitan concluded.