Meditation on the Mass readings
for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Some of the descriptive
words employed by Scripture’s inspired authors in certain passages are telling
in regard to humanity’s never-ending struggles. For example, Sirach (35:12-22)
speaks of the poor, the oppressed, orphan, and widow. St. Paul is imprisoned
and knows that “the time of my departure has come” (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18). He
also is lonely—“All deserted me,” he says. Meanwhile, in Luke’s Gospel, the
self-righteous Pharisee’s prayer derides those whom he perceives as thieves,
rogues, and adulterers (18:9-14).
Where do we see
ourselves here in relation to God? In one way or another, and at one time or
another, these terms describe many of us.
Whatever the case may
be, the key to our approach to God lies not in perceived perfection, but in
true humility. Our hope comes in the most unlikely of persons: in the passage
from Luke’s Gospel, Jesus points to the tax collector, considered at that time
to be the most despicable of all human beings. There, in the corner of the
Temple, he humbly acknowledges who he is and asks for God’s merciful
assistance. The tax collector—though far from perfect—recognizes his need for
God, and so is justified in God’s sight.
The self-righteous
Pharisee, on the other hand, has done many commendable things, but takes credit
for them all himself. He doesn’t really need anyone, including God, in his
mind. And so, Jesus says that it is the lowly tax collector (a sinner!), and not the
haughty Pharisee (who did everything right!), whose prayer is heard. As Sirach
points out, “the prayer of the humble pierces the clouds.”
A truly humble person,
the author of The Cloud of Unknowing said, “stands in the
truth with a knowledge and appreciation for himself as he really is.” When we
display that kind of transparency and honestly acknowledge our utter dependence
on God, as the tax collector does, the Lord stands by us and gives us
strength—and the “crown of righteousness” awaits us no matter who we are.
--Adapted from Grace in the Wilderness
by Br. Francis de Sales Wagner, O.S.B.
© 2013, Abbey Press Publications
No comments:
Post a Comment