St. Augustine in his sermon on today’s Gospel from Luke 18:9-14 explains that when you are ill and go to the doctor it would not make much sense to tell the doctor about another person’s illness. The doctor would not be able to treat you if complained about someone else’s illness and did not tell your own symptoms. If you were to do that you would go home again just as sick as when you went to see the doctor. Strange as that may seem it is precisely what happens in the parable that Jesus tells in today’s Gospel. Throughout Scripture we see God coming to those who know their need of Him. The first reading today from Ecclesiasticus/Sirach reminds us that God does not have favourites and hears the cry of the oppressed (35:12-13) and that the prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds (35:17).
Surely the Lord is saying to us in the parable that we have nothing to fear in approaching him just as we are. In fact, it is the correct way to approach God because otherwise we block God out from our life. Let us humbly admit our nothingness before God and our dependence on God like St. Paul. It is when we realize that we have nothing that we are ready to receive God’s grace. Humble repentance before God opens us to God’s grace. It is such humble repentance that also gives us the grace to receive the Lord’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. That sacrament is a beautiful way to meet the Lord and go home peaceful again like the tax collector. The Lord is waiting for you, approach him appropriately.
BIBLE PASSAGES FOR DAILY REFLECTION
To be equipped for God’s work, we must study His word (Cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17), reflect on it daily and live. Ensure you share the fruits of your meditation with at least two people.
Sunday: James 1:1-27
Monday: James 2:1-26
Tuesday: James 3:1-18
Wednesday: James 4:1-17
Thursday: James 5:1-20
Friday: 1 Peter 1:1-25
Saturday: 1 Peter 2:1-25
Psalm of the Week: Psalm 18
Prayer:
Lord, please lighten the darkness of our lives as humbly rely on you. Amen!