John Desing csc –
Readings: Hos 6:1-6; Lk 18:9-14
The parable of the tax collector and the pharisee tells us that we cannot
buy God’s mercy with our good deeds and obedience to the law alone.
We are justified not by our human efforts and strivings but by the gratuitous love of God. We only need to cooperate with the divine initiatives that can transform our lives. When we pray, we need to have proper disposition of the heart. That is, not to boast of our own achievements and self-righteousness by comparing with others: that I am a better Christian, I am more regular to the church and prayer, I pay the tithe regularly, I don’t cheat, I don’t involve in immoral acts, etc.
Rather, we need to humble ourselves before God. God looks at the heart and his judgment is not of human standard. We should never judge someone’s spiritual life based on external behaviour and profession.
Unfortunately, in our parish community and society we may still find people who consider themselves better or above the others in terms of morality and conduct. The word of God today invites us to remain humble always before God and others. Let us acknowledge that we need God’s forgiveness even if we feel that we are righteous.
We need to grow in truth and righteousness by not comparing ourselves with others but with oneself. Am I a better Christian day by day? It requires great humility to return to the Lord with deep sorrow for our sins. St. Paul reminds us that when we are weak we are strong, for the power of Christ is made manifest in our vulnerable nature.