Shanborlang Mawrie csc –
Readings: Hos 6: 1-6; Lk 18: 9-14
Today’s readings inspire us to contemplate the theme of humility. Pope John Paul II eloquently spoke on humility during the Angelus on the first Sunday of Lent, March 4, 1979, stating, “Bowing the head before God is a sign of humility. Humility, however, is not identified with humiliation or resignation. It is not accompanied by faint-heartedness. On the contrary, humility is creative submission to the power of truth and love.”
Through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus imparts a lesson on the significance of humility before God and others.
The Pharisee, in his self-righteousness, boasts about his virtues and looks down upon others, while the tax collector, acknowledging his sinfulness, humbly seeks God’s mercy. The attitudes displayed by the Pharisee and the tax collector remain relevant in contemporary life.
At times, we resemble the Pharisee, prideful of our accomplishments and long for recognition, distancing ourselves from others with our pride and ego, and failing to acknowledge our weaknesses and unworthiness, as the tax collector does.
Thus, Prophet Hosea’s call to humble ourselves before the Lord and return to him demands a change. “For the Lord desires steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings”. In this Lenten season, let us embrace humility, submitting ourselves before the Lord, and echoing the tax collector’s prayer, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”