Word to the Wise
Sunday, October 23, 2016 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time - C
[Sir 35:12-14, 16-18; 2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14]SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016 THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME [Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14] "O God, be merciful to me a sinner." [Luke] The way we pray can tell us a lot about ourselves if we take the time to think about it. The gospel scripture for this Sunday is a good place to start that process. The Pharisee really reveals himself as someone who thinks he is blessed by his pride and arrogance and observance of the fasting and alms giving of the Law. But he disdains all others unlike himself. The tax collector, who is the subject of that disdain, knows only that he is in need of God's mercy. Jesus calls the tax collector "justified." Only the tax collector has a realistic view. The Pharisee, in his own blinded eyes, sees no need for God's mercy. Their prayers tell us a lot about them as persons. For this reason, on retreats and at parish missions, I often use this gospel scripture to challenge the participants. The question is a simple one: How am I praying? This could lead us to a "history" of prayer in our lives. What does our prayer tell us about our understanding of God and our own self-understanding? If we keep in mind that Jesus says about the prayer of the tax collector, our reflection could lead us to some interesting conclusions! I use the tax collector's prayer often. AMEN
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