What is in a seat? A lot. At a party, there is a difference when you are seated beside the owner of the house compared to just being seated at one of those tables in the garden. In a concert, there is a difference when you are in the front row compared to when you are in the stands. In a basketball game, there is a difference when you are in the Patron section compared to when you are in the bleachers. In other words, seats determine power, prestige, fame, and honor. This is what people typically seek “seats” for. 

In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us to always be humble. Why? Three reasons:

1. Nothing is permanent in this world. Sometimes you are up and there are times you are down. Sometimes there is abundance, and sometimes there is scarcity. What happens when one is so used to being up there? How do you face people when fortunes have changed?
   
2. People have different blessings. God blesses us according to the Mission he has given us. With this mission comes the blessings – time, talent, and treasure. Hence there is no reason why one should compare his life to others. More so, no reason why one should put himself or herself above other people. 
   
3. The Secret to happiness is not the seat we use and the power, fame, prestige, and honor that goes with it. The Gospel tells us it is in giving that we find happiness.