THE HUMBLE MAN’S PRAYER PIERCES THE CLOUDS

XXX SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Luke 18:9-14

Like some other parables, the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (tax collector) was aimed at a concrete situation as a critique of a common attitude among a group of people. In this case, the parable was addressed “to some people who prided themselves on being virtuous and despised everyone else”. This parable is a call to look at our attitude towards God. Do I behave like the Pharisee or am I in the same situation as the Publican?

Putting them side by side and paying attention to their demeanour, we will get a poor impression of the Pharisee who is proud and boasts of his righteousness before God.  He complies with all the laws and regulations. Before him, one feels out of place. He judges and condemns others, and separates himself from them with contempt. We get the impression that he approaches God to claim his reward, a reward to which he earned a right. He praises himself instead of praising God.  He does not need others and we may doubt if he needs God. Being so full of himself, there is no space left for others and God. The Publican has nothing to boast about. He is considered a sinner and despised as a traitor. Collecting taxes for the Roman emperor, he collaborates with the oppression of a foreign power.  He gets rich at the expense of the people. The Pharisee and the Publican are situated on two extremes of society. The first separates himself from the multitude of sinners to keep his purity and righteousness. The second is ostracised by the majority of the people. Living in a situation of impurity, he cannot enter the temple and so he “stood some distance away”. In his prayer, he is sincere and truthful, presenting his soul before God with confidence in his mercy and compassion. He knows that he does not deserve a place in God’s house. He recognises his sin and pleads for mercy: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” He is well aware that his salvation is dependent on God. And God had mercy on him.

In the Catholic Church, this Sunday is Mission Sunday - dedicated to the missionary dimension of the Church. The Pope calls on us to reflect on the theme: You will be my witnesses to the end of the world (Act 1:8). Let us give witness to Jesus Christ in whom we find life and salvation.