The Courage to Be Wrong: A Reflection on Humility
I recently wrote content for the Sunday bulletin for Divine Mercy Parish in Oakland.
Readings: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 | Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11 | Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a | Luke 14:1, 7-14
There’s something terrifying about being wrong. I feel my body stiffen and my mind gets hyper-focused in meetings, grasping for perfection. For most of us, pride builds walls around our uncertainties, and our ego tells us that admitting any error is a weakness. But today’s readings ask us to consider something different: that the courage to be wrong might open the door to God’s grace.
Similar to other nonprofits, the organization I’m working at is facing budget constraints and shifting funding. I responded by building systems and structures to weather the storm, but the feedback I received? I had sounded cold and inattentive to equity. I wanted to defend myself and prove that my method was right. But after sitting with the feedback (again and again), I realized that I was wrong.
The defensiveness was from my own struggle with pride, and I was shutting out the voices trying to help. Sirach tells us that wisdom begins with listening. Humility creates space for other perspectives. Instead of asking, “How am I right?” I began asking, “What other perspectives can I include?”
In addition, Luke’s Gospel reminds us of Jesus's parable about choosing where to sit at the table. Jesus chose the "lowest" seat because he made a conscious decision for others to be seen too. I, too, realize I'd rather be wrong and choose humility than be right and leave someone feeling invisible.
My staff gave me feedback with empathy-- it just took me some time to recognize it. Their vulnerability gave me permission to step into mine. Perhaps that’s part of our calling: to be wrong with grace. To listen deeply. To take the seat that says, “You matter more than my ego.”
Jesus humbled himself to take the lowest place. I’m learning that real leadership and real discipleship begin there too.