30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds.
We are presented with three prayers today. O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous…. O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
We might expect the Pharisee’s prayer to be full of his own importance and certain that God would be aware and reward him for his virtue in obeying the law. We might also expect the tax collector to be reluctant to be front and center in the temple and to express his need for God’s mercy because of his actions. And although we may get the meaning of the parable, we may find it difficult to see ourselves in either of them.
And yet, how often, if we are honest with ourselves, do we think we are not like the rest of humanity? Seeing ourselves as good, honest, faithful to our religion, and deserving of what we have achieved. Seeing others who do not have what we do as needing to get their lives on the right track. We fail to see them as our opportunity to hear the cry of the poor.
St. Paul’s prayer differs. After being poured out in service to Christ and to others and abandoned when he needed defenders, he offers forgiveness, confidence that his reward awaits him, and clearly identifies where his strength comes from. All is from the Lord.
As we approach the Eucharist, we may want to reflect on which prayer should be ours. And to bow in gratitude for the Lord’s goodness to us.
Prayer:
Lord, we come before you, praying that you be merciful to us, for we are sinners. We ask that you send your Spirit into our hearts that we might be grateful for the many times you have shown us mercy, and that your Spirit may empower us to share your gifts in us with those who need our love and care. Amen.
