Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time—Year C

Lectio

   Luke 18:9–14

Meditatio

“O God, be merciful to me a sinner.”

   I like this story in Luke. I should, for by now I have lived it a million times! One of my friends will often remind me, “It’s not about you. It’s about him.” Jesus addresses this parable to “those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.” I understand righteousness to mean being in right relationship, in harmony, with God, neighbor, and self. How can you be in right relationship with God or anybody else if you despise anyone?

So what is going on in this story? Jesus wants us to know how to pray, and gives us two types of behavior: one to avoid, one to emulate. The attitude to avoid is one in which the Pharisee thanks God for himself and his own excellence. Being biased in his own favor, he compares himself to his neighbor, who comes up short. The tax collector, instead, doesn’t look around, doesn’t compare himself, doesn’t offer accomplishments or excuses. He just presents himself to the Author of Life and says, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” In this parable, the Lord teaches us that humility is key. Why? Because he wants more for us. To receive it, we need to come out of our smug little worlds where each of us reigns supreme. The Lord wants to gift us with the fullness of his life and kingdom. He tells us, “Everything I have is yours” (Lk 15:31). In order to enjoy this “everything,” we need to let go of always needing to be right and to measure everything by our own criteria. Rather, it’s all about God. It’s all about letting God be God, keeping our eyes on his goodness and asking for his help. We need to keep our places, as people belonging to him, adopted in Christ. In the truth of who we are, we can ask humbly and confidently, “be merciful to me a sinner.” One cannot earn this gift; it is freely given with love.

Oratio

   Dear God, sometimes I don’t trust you enough because of my fear. I know I fail, but I’d rather point out other people’s faults than admit to my own. You are our Father, who loves us all and desires our good. Teach me to let go of judging others, since I lack your divine wisdom, mercy, and love. Help me keep my eyes on you and your mercy, trusting that you will forgive and heal all of us. Help me be grateful for the person you have made me, and the gift I can offer you of a loving, humble heart.

Contemplatio

   Lord, it’s all about you. I am so grateful for your gifts.

__

ORDINARY GRACE Weeks 18–34: Daily Gospel Reflections (By the Daughters of St. Paul)