TRUE HUMILITY IN PRAYER - 10/23/22 (Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Luke 18:13–15

“But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102322.cfm

Blessed Sunday! Our Merciful God hears the prayers of the poor people. This is not only pertaining to those who are poor in money, but those who are poor in spirit. Our Lord Jesus desires for us to be humble because He exalts to heaven those who humble themselves. How can we practice this humility in our prayer? One way is by constantly giving thanks to God. In the parable, the Pharisee was thanking God because of his good works, but he did not have a pure intention. He lacked humility because he was thinking that he was greater than others instead of praying for them and humbling himself before God. It is pleasing to God if we give thanks to Him, especially for the graces that we receive that strengthen us to reject temptations and to do good works. However, to be humble in giving thanks to God, we should remember that we are undeserving of God's graces due to our sins, and everything we receive is out of God's mercy for us. 

To persevere more in our humility, it is necessary for us to imitate the prayer of the Publican. What did he do? He saw his unworthiness and sinfulness before God, and he begged for His mercy. The publican was humble because he knew the truth about himself and about God. He knew his sins, and he knew that our Lord is our Savior. Let's persevere in begging for God's forgiveness, especially when we realize the sins we have committed. For example, if we have fallen to the sin of anger, and even if it's not yet an outburst of anger but simple frustration with someone, let's immediately pray for God's mercy because if we love God, we will not desire to offend Him either in big ways or in small ways. May we reflect on what causes us to sin so that we know how to avoid them in the future by God's grace. People who are consumed by pride and who think that they can enter heaven without following God's will and God's commandments are endangering their souls to hell. But, those who are humble and who acknowledge that they deserve to be in hell due to their past sins but continuously trust in God's mercy, seek the sacraments and persevere in doing what is good despite many falls will be guided safely by God to heaven where the crown of everlasting life is awaiting them. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/