First Reading: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

Reflection:

In this passage from the wisdom text of Sirach, we hear the profound truth that God is just and “knows no favorites.” God loves all people and treats them according to the same standard of justice. However, Sirach is quick to point out that some people catch God’s attention more than others, especially the most weak and vulnerable of society. Widows and orphans are highlighted here because they were the most vulnerable in ancient Jewish society. Not having anyone to care for them and provide for their material needs, they relied on the generosity of their neighbors and so an important aspect of the Jewish covenant with God was to care for these two categories of people in particular. In a similar way, God calls us to act with justice and love all people, but also to give particular attention to the most vulnerable in our society. Widows and orphans may still be among those, but also how about others like the homeless, the unemployed, the refugee, the unborn? One can judge the decency of a society by the way they care for the powerless ones. While it is true that God is fair and loving to all people, God listens to and willingly responds to the cries of the poor. The passage then moves to describe the type of person whose prayer is most favorable to God. The one who serves God with enthusiasm and prays with humility will be heard. God is not impressed, according to Sirach, by the person who does not feel the need for God’s protection but instead spends worship time reminding God how well he or she is doing. We’ll see that illustrated very clearly in the gospel reading with the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Reflection:

This reading begins with a reference to Paul being “poured out like a libation.” Just as Jesus explained that the wine of the Last Supper meal is his blood being poured out in sacrifice for all, so also the Apostle Paul characterized his life of service to the Lord as a libation (drink) being poured out as an act of worship. Paul, therefore, associated his approaching martyrdom with the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We see a further association with Paul’s indication that “everyone deserted me.” Just like Jesus, Paul found himself abandoned by those closest to him at the hour of his trial and approaching death. Still, using the image of an athlete, Paul spoke with satisfaction of having endured and completed the race of the Christian life well. His goal was to receive the victor’s crown, which represents union with God in heaven. Unlike an athlete who was decorated for simply using the athletic ability God had given, he was to be decorated for his faith and righteousness. His life of service to Christ won him the crown of glory in heaven. Paul expressed absolute trust in God, even while facing persecution for the faith. Christian tradition tells us that Paul was, in fact, beheaded for his Christian faith by the Romans in around AD 67.

Gospel Reading: Luke 18:9-14

Reflection:

Have you ever known someone who builds himself up by putting others down? So did Jesus. This Sunday’s gospel story highlights the actions of a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisees were the group of Jewish religious leaders who were concerned with proper living. Jesus had much in common with the Pharisees, but he often found them to be self-righteous, placing themselves above those they thought to be less educated or less pious. The Pharisee in this story was exemplary in holiness, but he was also proud of his good behavior and allowed himself the luxury of looking down upon the “sinners.” In contrast, tax collectors were known as cheaters—Jews working for the oppressive Roman government, exacting money to be taken out of the local economy, and often overcharging in order to line their own pockets. The tax collector in this story entered the temple to pray, as did the Pharisee, but he seemed to be acutely aware that his actions had been inconsistent with the law of God. He knew he was a sinner, and he admitted it to God with his head bowed. According to Jesus, his humility gained him praise and forgiveness, while the religious leader’s pompous attitude gained him criticism. The sin of the tax collector did not go overlooked, but the sinner could be called into a deeper, life-transforming relationship with God as a result of his humility. The Pharisee, on the other hand, remained far from God due to pride, even though he thought he was close to God because of his goodness. One of the lessons here is that we cannot win God’s favor through good deeds. Rather, we should imitate the tax collector by acknowledging our sins and receiving the mercy given to us freely by God. Remember, God “knows no favorites.”

Application:

  • God calls us to care for the most vulnerable in our society. What does that look like for you? Who has God place in your life who needs your loving care and assistance?
  • Do you relate more to the Pharisee or the tax collector in the gospel reading? How can you emulate the tax collector’s humility and repentant heart?