Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
“Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity —
greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week,
and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for John Regan RIP.
Reflection:
Sonja Corbitt, creator of LOVE the Word prayer method, commented in today’s Gospel that “[b]oth Pharisee and publican are concerned with power and wealth in their spheres of influence; one seeks these secretly, under good deeds; one visibly, in bad deeds. Both men sin, both men pray…”. Sometimes, our prayer is like that of the Pharisee. We brag God that we have done X, Y, Z religious practices – especially this Lent – as though we have become superhuman, as if God owes us big time. God does not need those. We do need them to grow much closer to God. If our religious practices would not bring us closer to Him, it would be better not to do them in the first place.
The publican’s attitude in prayer is worth emulating. ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ Eight simple, but heartfelt words! By recognizing that he was in the presence of God, the publican admitted his sins and asked for God’s mercy. The publican knew that God does not owe him anything, mercy included. Aware of that, he humbled himself in prayer. By having that right attitude, “he went home justified”.
- Which character do you easily relate with: the Pharisee, the publican, or both? Why?
- What is your attitude when praying?
- How does humility make you a better person?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Create in us this Lent a humble heart to so that we may also say ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ Amen.
Suggested Lenten penance: Go to confession.
(Pietro)
