Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 150
Lectionary: 150
The LORD is a God
of justice,
who knows no favorites.
Though not unduly partial toward the weak,
yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,
nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.
The one who serves God willingly is heard;
his petition reaches the heavens.
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right,
and the Lord will not delay.
who knows no favorites.
Though not unduly partial toward the weak,
yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,
nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.
The one who serves God willingly is heard;
his petition reaches the heavens.
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right,
and the Lord will not delay.
Responsorial PsalmPS 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Reading 22 TM 4:6-8, 16-18
Beloved:
I am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
I am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
GospelLK 18:9-14
Jesus addressed
this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --
greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --
greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Scripture
Study
October
27, 2013 Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time
In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus instructs His disciples
that their touted good works will not earn entrance into the kingdom. He also
tells them that being truly righteous requires recognition of our need for
God's mercy. Sirach in the first reading tells us that God is just and He hears
the cries of the helpless who call out to Him. In the second reading Paul
continues to encourage Timothy to faithfulness and reminds him that even when
abandoned by friends God is ever faithful. What needs to be humbled in me so
that I may be exalted at the return of Christ?
First Reading: Sirach 35: 12-14, 16-18
12 For he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.
13 Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
14 He is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint;
{15 Do not the tears that stream down her cheek cry out against him that causes them to fall?}
16 He who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens.
17 The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
18 Nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right.
NOTES on First Reading:
* 35:12 God is just to all and can not be bribed even by sacrifices as it says in verse 11. See Lev 19:15.
* 35:13-15 The oppressed, especially widows and orphans have God's ear in the Bible. See Exodus 22:21-23; Deut 24:17-18; Prov 23:10-11. The Rabbinic tradition portrayed the poor as God's representatives on earth. Verse 15 is not included in the reading since it simply repeats the message of verses 13 and 14. I have indicated this with "{...}" in the text.
* 35:16 James echoes this idea in James 5:15-16.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18
6 For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.
{9 Try to join me soon, 10 for Demas, enamored of the present world, deserted me and went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke is the only one with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in the ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas, the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 You too be on guard against him, for he has strongly resisted our preaching.}
16 At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
NOTES on Second Reading:
* 4:6 Paul recognizes that his death through martyrdom is likely to occur soon. A libation was an act of worship in which blood or wine was poured out in sacrifice. See Exodus 29:38-40; Phil 2:17.
* 4:8 At the judgment following the parousia, all who have faithfully awaited the Lord's return and have attempted to follow his teachings will be rewarded. Paul relates righteousness to faith, the Law, and the cross. Crown is a reference to the laurel wreath placed on the heads of victorious athletes at games and returning conquerors in war. See 2 Tim 2:5; 1 Cor 9:25.
* 4:9-15 Because these verses actually are an aside they are not included in the reading. I have indicated this with "{...}" in the text.
* 4:16-18 Despite Paul's apparent abandonment by his friends in the province of Asia, God's assistance brought this first trial to a successful conclusion. It also made the gospel message known to all those who participated in or witnessed the trial. There may also be an intended parallel with the abandonment of Jesus by His friends in keeping with the sacrificial motif of verse 6.
Gospel Reading: Luke 18: 9-14
9 He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. 10 "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity--greedy, dishonest, adulterous--or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.' 13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' 14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
NOTES on Gospel Reading:
* 18:9-14 This pericope is unique to Luke's Gospel and is told as an example story. The disciples are to follow the example of the humble tax collector as he humbly comes before God in repentance. Since 1:6, Luke has been playing on the themes of who is righteous, unrighteous, and self-righteous (5:32; 15:7). Luke emphasizes: Self-confident boasting about one's good deeds does not achieve acquittal from God's judgment. Like Jesus one must engage in deeds of righteousness. God has vindicated His innocently suffering righteous One.
* 18:13 Beating the breast was a sign of repentance.
* 18:14 The tax collector is justified by God because he recognized his need for God's mercy and has shown sorrow for his sins. The Pharisee does not need God's gift of justification for he has justified himself. The Pharisee does not realize that his own justification is useless.
First Reading: Sirach 35: 12-14, 16-18
12 For he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.
13 Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
14 He is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint;
{15 Do not the tears that stream down her cheek cry out against him that causes them to fall?}
16 He who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens.
17 The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
18 Nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right.
NOTES on First Reading:
* 35:12 God is just to all and can not be bribed even by sacrifices as it says in verse 11. See Lev 19:15.
* 35:13-15 The oppressed, especially widows and orphans have God's ear in the Bible. See Exodus 22:21-23; Deut 24:17-18; Prov 23:10-11. The Rabbinic tradition portrayed the poor as God's representatives on earth. Verse 15 is not included in the reading since it simply repeats the message of verses 13 and 14. I have indicated this with "{...}" in the text.
* 35:16 James echoes this idea in James 5:15-16.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18
6 For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.
{9 Try to join me soon, 10 for Demas, enamored of the present world, deserted me and went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke is the only one with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in the ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas, the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 You too be on guard against him, for he has strongly resisted our preaching.}
16 At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
NOTES on Second Reading:
* 4:6 Paul recognizes that his death through martyrdom is likely to occur soon. A libation was an act of worship in which blood or wine was poured out in sacrifice. See Exodus 29:38-40; Phil 2:17.
* 4:8 At the judgment following the parousia, all who have faithfully awaited the Lord's return and have attempted to follow his teachings will be rewarded. Paul relates righteousness to faith, the Law, and the cross. Crown is a reference to the laurel wreath placed on the heads of victorious athletes at games and returning conquerors in war. See 2 Tim 2:5; 1 Cor 9:25.
* 4:9-15 Because these verses actually are an aside they are not included in the reading. I have indicated this with "{...}" in the text.
* 4:16-18 Despite Paul's apparent abandonment by his friends in the province of Asia, God's assistance brought this first trial to a successful conclusion. It also made the gospel message known to all those who participated in or witnessed the trial. There may also be an intended parallel with the abandonment of Jesus by His friends in keeping with the sacrificial motif of verse 6.
Gospel Reading: Luke 18: 9-14
9 He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. 10 "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity--greedy, dishonest, adulterous--or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.' 13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' 14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
NOTES on Gospel Reading:
* 18:9-14 This pericope is unique to Luke's Gospel and is told as an example story. The disciples are to follow the example of the humble tax collector as he humbly comes before God in repentance. Since 1:6, Luke has been playing on the themes of who is righteous, unrighteous, and self-righteous (5:32; 15:7). Luke emphasizes: Self-confident boasting about one's good deeds does not achieve acquittal from God's judgment. Like Jesus one must engage in deeds of righteousness. God has vindicated His innocently suffering righteous One.
* 18:13 Beating the breast was a sign of repentance.
* 18:14 The tax collector is justified by God because he recognized his need for God's mercy and has shown sorrow for his sins. The Pharisee does not need God's gift of justification for he has justified himself. The Pharisee does not realize that his own justification is useless.
Meditation: "Everyone who exalts himself will be
humbled"
What kind of prayer is
pleasing to God? Jesus told a vivid story of two people who went to the house
of God to pray. Why did the Lord accept one person’s prayer and reject the
other’s prayer? Luke gives us a hint: despising one’s neighbor closes the door
to God’s heart. Contempt is more than being mean-minded. It springs from the
assumption that one is qualified to sit in the seat of judgment and to
ascertain who is good and just. Jesus' story caused offense for those who
regarded "tax collectors" as unworthy of God's grace and favor. How
could Jesus put down a "religious leader" and raise up a "public
sinner"? Jesus' parable speaks about the nature of prayer and our
relationship with God. It does this by contrasting two very different attitudes
towards prayer. The Pharisee, who represented those who take pride in their
religious practices, exalted himself at the expense of others. Absorbed with
his own sense of self-satisfaction and self-congratulation he mainly prayed
with himself. His prayer consisted of prideful boasts of what he did and of
disdain for those he despised. The Pharisee tried to justify himself; but only
God can justify. The tax collector, who represented those despised by religious
people, humbled himself before God and begged for mercy. His prayer was
heard by God because he had remorse for his sins. He sought God with humility
rather than with pride.
This parable presents both
an opportunity and a warning. Pride leads to illusion and self-deception.
Humility helps us to see ourselves as we really are and it inclines us to God's
grace and mercy. God dwells with the humble of heart who recognize their own
sinfulness and who acknowledge God's mercy and saving grace. I dwell in
the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and humble
spirit (Isaiah 57:15). God cannot hear us if we despise others. Do you
humbly seek God's mercy and do you show mercy to others, especially those you
find difficult to love and to forgive?
"Lord, may your love
direct all my thoughts and actions that I may do what is pleasing to you. Show
me where I lack charity and forgiveness toward my neighbor and help me to be
generous in giving to others what you have so generously given to me."
THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, LUKE 18:9-14
(Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18)
(Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18)
KEY VERSE: "The tax collector, standing far off ... was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'" (v 13).
READING: After teaching his disciples on the necessity of praying with persistence (vs 1-8), Jesus told another parable on prayer, which was unique to Luke. In the story, two individuals went to the Temple to pray. The first was a Pharisee, so named "the separated ones" as they strictly avoided anything that might contaminate their adherence to the minute details of the law. This Pharisee also separated himself from others by his self-righteous attitude. He smugly depended on his virtues and did not ask pardon from God for his sins. The other man in the story was a publican, a tax-collector. Tax-collectors were held in contempt because they collaborated with the Roman government and often over-charged their own people. Although this man had nothing to commend him, he humbly prayed for God's forgiveness of his wrongdoings. Jesus declared that this man was justified because of his honest admission of his sinfulness and need of salvation.
REFLECTING: Does my pride get in the way of serving God and others?
PRAYING: Pray the ancient Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY
Priesthood Sunday honors the men who have
dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church through the
Sacrament of Holy Orders. It is an opportunity for Catholics to thank, affirm
and share their love and support for all priests, diocesan as well as those in
religious orders. Priesthood Sunday is celebrated each year on the last Sunday
in October.
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
‘God be merciful to me a sinner.’Please, Lord, help us not to be like that Pharisee, thinking we’re better than others because we know you and pray to you. Teach us to see ourselves in your clear light and help us to accept our sinfulness, knowing you will forgive us, for you love us as we are. But help us also to see the danger of this. Because we know you love us as we are, we can be tempted to sit back complacently and forget to ask the Spirit to ‘melt the frozen, warm the chill’. We need, like St Paul, to fight the good fight to the end, turning to you in humility, for it can only be done with your mercy and help. How we long to hear you say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’
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October 20
Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza
(c. 1200-1271)
Dominicans honor one of their own today, Blessed Bartholomew of
Vicenza. This was a man who used his skills as a preacher to challenge the
heresies of his day.
Bartholomew
was born in Vicenza around 1200. At 20 he entered the Dominicans. Following his
ordination he served in various leadership positions. As a young priest he
founded a military order whose purpose was to keep civil peace in towns
throughout Italy.
In 1248,
Bartholomew was appointed a bishop. For most men, such an appointment is an
honor and a tribute to their holiness and their demonstrated leadership skills.
But for Bartholomew, it was a form of exile that had been urged by an antipapal
group that was only too happy to see him leave for Cyprus. Not many years
later, however, Bartholomew was transferred back to Vicenza. Despite the
antipapal feelings that were still evident, he worked diligently—especially
through his preaching—to rebuild his diocese and strengthen the people’s
loyalty to Rome.
During
his years as bishop in Cyprus, Bartholomew befriended King Louis the Ninth of
France, who is said to have given the holy bishop a relic of Christ’s Crown of
Thorns.
Bartholomew
died in 1271. He was beatified in 1793.
www.americancatholic.org
LECTIO: 30TH
SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (C)
Lectio:
Sunday, October 27, 2013
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax
collector
Where do I base my security?
Luke 18, 1-14
Where do I base my security?
Luke 18, 1-14
1. Opening prayer
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
2. Reading
a) A key to the reading:
The Gospel of this Sunday places us before the
parable of the Pharisee and the Tax collector (Lk 18, 9-14). We have added the
parable of the widow and the judge (Lk 18, 1-8), because both of these form a
small unity, the purpose of which is to help us discover what our prayerful
attitude should be before God. The two parables show us that Jesus had another
way of seeing the things of life and prayer. He succeeded to perceive a
revelation of God there where others saw only the ruins. He sees something
positive in the tax collector, of whom everybody said: “He does not know how to
pray!” And in the poor widow, of whom society said: “She disturbs and bothers
even the judge!” Jesus lived so united to the Father through prayer, that for
him everything became an expression of prayer.
Today, the simple people of the town who say that they do not know how to pray, know how to speak with Jesus, they speak with God all the time. Do you know any such persons? The people have many ways to express their devotion and their prayer.
During the reading let us try to pay attention to the two following things: Which is the objective and who are the those to whom the two parables are addressed? Which are the attitudes of the persons who are mentioned in the parables?
Today, the simple people of the town who say that they do not know how to pray, know how to speak with Jesus, they speak with God all the time. Do you know any such persons? The people have many ways to express their devotion and their prayer.
During the reading let us try to pay attention to the two following things: Which is the objective and who are the those to whom the two parables are addressed? Which are the attitudes of the persons who are mentioned in the parables?
b) A division of the text to help in the
reading:
Luke 18, 1: The objective of the first parable
Luke 18, 2: Description of the attitude of the judge
Luke 18, 3: Attitude of the widow before the judge
Luke 18, 4-5: Reaction of the judge before the widow
Luke 18, 6-8: Jesus applies the parable
Luke 18, 9: Those to whom the second parable is addressed
Luke 18, 10: Introduction to the theme of the parable
Luke 18, 11-12: It describes how the Pharisee prays
Luke 18, 13: It describes how the Tax Collector prays
Luke 18, 14: Jesus gives his opinion on both
Luke 18, 2: Description of the attitude of the judge
Luke 18, 3: Attitude of the widow before the judge
Luke 18, 4-5: Reaction of the judge before the widow
Luke 18, 6-8: Jesus applies the parable
Luke 18, 9: Those to whom the second parable is addressed
Luke 18, 10: Introduction to the theme of the parable
Luke 18, 11-12: It describes how the Pharisee prays
Luke 18, 13: It describes how the Tax Collector prays
Luke 18, 14: Jesus gives his opinion on both
c) Text:
1 Then he told them a parable about the need
to pray continually and never lose heart. 2 'There was a judge in a certain
town,' he said, 'who had neither fear of God nor respect for anyone. 3 In the
same town there was also a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, "I
want justice from you against my enemy!" 4 For a long time he refused, but
at last he said to himself, "Even though I have neither fear of God nor
respect for any human person, 5 I must give this widow her just rights since
she keeps pestering me, or she will come and slap me in the face." ' 6 And
the Lord said, 'You notice what the unjust judge has to say? 7 Now, will not
God see justice done to his elect if they keep calling to him day and night
even though he still delays to help them? 8 I promise you, he will see justice
done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of man comes, will he find
any faith on earth?' 9 He spoke the following parable to some people who prided
themselves on being upright and despised everyone else, 10 'Two men went up to
the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee
stood there and said this prayer to himself, "I thank you, God, that I am
not grasping, unjust, adulterous like everyone else, and particularly that I am
not like this tax collector here. 12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes on all I
get." 13 The tax collector stood some distance away, not daring even to
raise his eyes to heaven; but he beat his breast and said, "God, be
merciful to me, a sinner." 14 This man, I tell you, went home again
justified; the other did not. For everyone who raises himself up will be
humbled, but anyone who humbles himself will be raised up.'
3. A moment of prayerful silence
so that the Word of God may penetrate and
enlighten our life.
4. Some questions
to help us in our personal reflection.
a) Which point pleased you the most in both of
these parable? Why?
b) Which is the attitude of the widow and of the judge? What is it that strikes the most in the attitude of the each one of them? Why?
c) Which are the attitudes of the Pharisee and of the Tax Collector? What strikes us the most in the attitude of each one of them? Why?
d) How does Jesus apply this parable?
e) What do these two parables teach us concerning prayer?
b) Which is the attitude of the widow and of the judge? What is it that strikes the most in the attitude of the each one of them? Why?
c) Which are the attitudes of the Pharisee and of the Tax Collector? What strikes us the most in the attitude of each one of them? Why?
d) How does Jesus apply this parable?
e) What do these two parables teach us concerning prayer?
5. For those who wish to deepen more into the
theme
a) The context of yesterday and of today
The context of the time of Jesus and of Luke
is expressed in the two phrases of introduction which speak about the ‘need to
pray continually and not lose heart” (Lk 18, 1) and of ‘some who boasted of
being just and despised others’ (Lk 18, 9). The context of today continues to
be the same as before, because also today it is necessary to pray always and
today also there are persons who boast of being just and who despise others.
b) Comment on the text:
Luke 18, 1: The objective of the first
parable
Luke introduces this parable with the phrase: “on the need to pray continually and never lose heart”. In other passages he insists in the same way on perseverance in prayer and on the need to believe that God hears our prayer and responds to our petitions. Faith in God which responds to our petitions is the red thread which pervades the whole Bible, where, from Exodus it is ceaselessly repeated that “Go hears the cry of His People” (Ex 2, 24; 3, 7).
Luke introduces this parable with the phrase: “on the need to pray continually and never lose heart”. In other passages he insists in the same way on perseverance in prayer and on the need to believe that God hears our prayer and responds to our petitions. Faith in God which responds to our petitions is the red thread which pervades the whole Bible, where, from Exodus it is ceaselessly repeated that “Go hears the cry of His People” (Ex 2, 24; 3, 7).
Luke 18, 2: Description of the attitude
of the Judge
Jesus wishes to clarify for those who listen to him, which is the attitude of God before our prayer. For this, in speaking of the judge, he thinks of God the Father who is the end of the comparison which he is making. If it were not Jesus, we would not have the courage to compare God with a judge “who neither has fear of God nor respect for anyone”. This audacious comparison, made by Jesus himself, strengthens, on the one hand, the importance of perseverance in prayer and, on the other, the certainty of being heard by God the Father.
Jesus wishes to clarify for those who listen to him, which is the attitude of God before our prayer. For this, in speaking of the judge, he thinks of God the Father who is the end of the comparison which he is making. If it were not Jesus, we would not have the courage to compare God with a judge “who neither has fear of God nor respect for anyone”. This audacious comparison, made by Jesus himself, strengthens, on the one hand, the importance of perseverance in prayer and, on the other, the certainty of being heard by God the Father.
Luke 18, 3: The attitude of the widow
before the judge
In the attitude of the widow before the judge we have the situation of the poor in society at the time of Jesus. Widows and orphans had no one to defend them and their rights were not respected. The fact that Jesus compares our attitude with that of the poor widow, without anyone to defend her, who seeks to claim her rights before a judge who has no human sensibility, shows Jesus’ sympathy for poor persons who insistently struggle to claim their rights.
In the attitude of the widow before the judge we have the situation of the poor in society at the time of Jesus. Widows and orphans had no one to defend them and their rights were not respected. The fact that Jesus compares our attitude with that of the poor widow, without anyone to defend her, who seeks to claim her rights before a judge who has no human sensibility, shows Jesus’ sympathy for poor persons who insistently struggle to claim their rights.
Luke 18, 4-5: The reaction of the judge
before the widow
The judge ends by giving in before the insistence of the widow. He does justice not out of love for justice, but in order to free himself from the widow who continually pesters him.
The judge ends by giving in before the insistence of the widow. He does justice not out of love for justice, but in order to free himself from the widow who continually pesters him.
Luke 18, 6-8: Jesus applies the parable
Jesus draws the conclusion: If an atheistic and dishonest judge pays attention to a widow who insists on her petition, how much more will God, the Father, listen to those who pray to him night and day, even if he makes them wait. This is the central point of the parable, confirmed by the final question of Jesus: “When the Son of man comes, will he find any faith on earth?· That is, will our faith be so persistent as that of the widow, who resists without losing heart, until she obtains God’s answer? Because as the Ecclesiasticus says: “It is difficult to resist the expectation of God!”
Jesus draws the conclusion: If an atheistic and dishonest judge pays attention to a widow who insists on her petition, how much more will God, the Father, listen to those who pray to him night and day, even if he makes them wait. This is the central point of the parable, confirmed by the final question of Jesus: “When the Son of man comes, will he find any faith on earth?· That is, will our faith be so persistent as that of the widow, who resists without losing heart, until she obtains God’s answer? Because as the Ecclesiasticus says: “It is difficult to resist the expectation of God!”
Luke 18, 9: Those to whom the second
parable is addressed
This second parable of the Pharisee and the Tax collector is introduced in the second phrase: “He spoke the following parable to some people who prided themselves on being upright and despised everyone else!” The phrase of Luke refers simultaneously, to the time of Jesus and to the time of Luke. Then, in the communities of the years 80’s, to whom Luke addressed his Gospel, there were some holding fast to the ancient tradition of Judaism which despised those who lived in Paganism (cf. Acts 15, 1, 5).
This second parable of the Pharisee and the Tax collector is introduced in the second phrase: “He spoke the following parable to some people who prided themselves on being upright and despised everyone else!” The phrase of Luke refers simultaneously, to the time of Jesus and to the time of Luke. Then, in the communities of the years 80’s, to whom Luke addressed his Gospel, there were some holding fast to the ancient tradition of Judaism which despised those who lived in Paganism (cf. Acts 15, 1, 5).
Luke 18, 10: This introduces the theme of
the parable
Two men went up to the Temple to pray: one was a Pharisee and the other a Tax collector. There could be no greater contrast between these two. In the opinion of the people of that time, a tax collector was worth nothing and could not address himself to God, because he was an impure person, in so far as a tax collector, while the Pharisee was an honoured person and a very religious one.
Two men went up to the Temple to pray: one was a Pharisee and the other a Tax collector. There could be no greater contrast between these two. In the opinion of the people of that time, a tax collector was worth nothing and could not address himself to God, because he was an impure person, in so far as a tax collector, while the Pharisee was an honoured person and a very religious one.
Luke 18, 11-12: It describes how the
Pharisee prays
The Pharisee prays standing up and thanks God because he is not like others: thieves, dishonest, adulterous. His prayer is nothing else than praising himself and the things he does: he fasts and pays tithes on all he gets. It is an exaltation of his good qualities and the contempt of others, whom he despises, especially the tax collector who is together with him in the same place. He does not consider him as his brother.
The Pharisee prays standing up and thanks God because he is not like others: thieves, dishonest, adulterous. His prayer is nothing else than praising himself and the things he does: he fasts and pays tithes on all he gets. It is an exaltation of his good qualities and the contempt of others, whom he despises, especially the tax collector who is together with him in the same place. He does not consider him as his brother.
Luke 18, 13: It describes how the tax
collector prays
The tax collector does not dare even to raise his eyes, but he beats his heart and says: “My God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” He takeshis place before God.
The tax collector does not dare even to raise his eyes, but he beats his heart and says: “My God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” He takeshis place before God.
Luke 18, 14: Jesus gives his opinion on
both parables
If Jesus had asked the people, who returned home justified, all would have answered: “The Pharisee!” But Jesus thinks differently. The one who returns justified (in a good relationship with God) is not the Pharisee, but rather the tax collector. Once again, Jesus turns everything the other way round. Perhaps this application made by Jesus of the parable did not please many persons.
If Jesus had asked the people, who returned home justified, all would have answered: “The Pharisee!” But Jesus thinks differently. The one who returns justified (in a good relationship with God) is not the Pharisee, but rather the tax collector. Once again, Jesus turns everything the other way round. Perhaps this application made by Jesus of the parable did not please many persons.
c) Extending the information:
i) The first Christians present us with an
image of Jesus praying, who lived in permanent union with the Father. The
breathing of the life of Jesus was to do God’s Will (Jn 5, 19). Jesus prayed
very much and insisted so that the people and his disciples also pray. Because
it is in our relation with God that truth emerges and that the person finds
herself in all reality and humility.
ii) The two parables reveal something of the prayerful attitude of Jesus before the Father. They reveal that even for Him it was not always easy. Like the widow you must insist very much, as it is also seen in the prayer made in the Garden of Olives (Lk 22, 41-42). He insisted up until death, He did not lose heart and he was heard (Hb 5, 7). The two parables also reveal his experience and intimacy with God as Father who accepts all and whose love has gratuity as a central mark. God’s love for us does not depend on what we do for Him. He has loved us first. He accepts the tax collector.
iii) Luke is the Evangelist who gives us more information about the life of prayer of Jesus. He presents Jesus in constant prayer. The following are some moments in which Jesus appears in prayer in the Gospel of Luke:
* When he is twelve years old, he goes to the Temple, to the house of the Father (Lk 2, 46-50).
* At the moment of being baptised and of assuming his mission, he prays (Lk 3, 21).
* When he begins his mission, he spends forty days in the desert (Lk 4, 1-2).
* In the hour of temptation, he faces the Devil with the texts from Scripture (Lk 4, 3-12).
* Jesus usually participates in the celebrations in the Synagogue on Saturday (Lk 4, 16).
* He seeks solitude in the desert to pray (Lk 5, 16; 9, 18).
* Before choosing the twelve apostles, he spends the night in prayer (Lk 6, 12)
* He prays before meals (Lk 9, 16; 24, 30).
* Before speaking about reality and of his passion, he prays (Lk 9, 18)
* In time of crisis, on the Mountain to pray and he is transfigured while he prays (Lk 9, 28)
* In revealing the Gospel to the little ones, he says: “Father, I thank you!” (Lk 10, 21)
* In praying, he awaken in the Apostles the will to pray (Lk 11, 1).
* He prays for Peter so that he may be strong in faith (Lk 22, 32).
* He celebrates the Passover Supper with his disciples (Lk 22, 7-14).
* In the Garden of Olives, he prays, and sweat becomes drops of blood (Lk 22, 41-42).
* In the anguish of the agony he asks his friends to pray with him (Lk 22, 40.46).
* At the hour of being nailed on the cross, he asks pardon for those who do not know what they are doing (Lk 23, 34).
* In the hour of death, he says: “Into your hands I commend my spirit!” (Lk 23, 46; Ps 31, 6).
ii) The two parables reveal something of the prayerful attitude of Jesus before the Father. They reveal that even for Him it was not always easy. Like the widow you must insist very much, as it is also seen in the prayer made in the Garden of Olives (Lk 22, 41-42). He insisted up until death, He did not lose heart and he was heard (Hb 5, 7). The two parables also reveal his experience and intimacy with God as Father who accepts all and whose love has gratuity as a central mark. God’s love for us does not depend on what we do for Him. He has loved us first. He accepts the tax collector.
iii) Luke is the Evangelist who gives us more information about the life of prayer of Jesus. He presents Jesus in constant prayer. The following are some moments in which Jesus appears in prayer in the Gospel of Luke:
* When he is twelve years old, he goes to the Temple, to the house of the Father (Lk 2, 46-50).
* At the moment of being baptised and of assuming his mission, he prays (Lk 3, 21).
* When he begins his mission, he spends forty days in the desert (Lk 4, 1-2).
* In the hour of temptation, he faces the Devil with the texts from Scripture (Lk 4, 3-12).
* Jesus usually participates in the celebrations in the Synagogue on Saturday (Lk 4, 16).
* He seeks solitude in the desert to pray (Lk 5, 16; 9, 18).
* Before choosing the twelve apostles, he spends the night in prayer (Lk 6, 12)
* He prays before meals (Lk 9, 16; 24, 30).
* Before speaking about reality and of his passion, he prays (Lk 9, 18)
* In time of crisis, on the Mountain to pray and he is transfigured while he prays (Lk 9, 28)
* In revealing the Gospel to the little ones, he says: “Father, I thank you!” (Lk 10, 21)
* In praying, he awaken in the Apostles the will to pray (Lk 11, 1).
* He prays for Peter so that he may be strong in faith (Lk 22, 32).
* He celebrates the Passover Supper with his disciples (Lk 22, 7-14).
* In the Garden of Olives, he prays, and sweat becomes drops of blood (Lk 22, 41-42).
* In the anguish of the agony he asks his friends to pray with him (Lk 22, 40.46).
* At the hour of being nailed on the cross, he asks pardon for those who do not know what they are doing (Lk 23, 34).
* In the hour of death, he says: “Into your hands I commend my spirit!” (Lk 23, 46; Ps 31, 6).
iv) This long list indicates everything which
follows. For Jesus, prayer was intimately united to life, to concrete facts, to
the decisions which he had to take. In order to be faithful to the Father’s
project, he tried to remain alone with him. He listened to him. In the
difficult and decisive moments of his life, Jesus prayed the Psalms. Just like
any pious Jew, he knew them by heart. But the recitation of the Psalms does not
take away his creativity. Rather, Jesus composed himself a Psalm which he has
transmitted to us. It is the Our Father. His life was a permanent
prayer: “I always seek the will of the Father!” (Jn 5, 19. 30). To him is
applied what the Psalm says “I am in prayer!” (Ps 109, 4).
6. Prayer of a Psalm
Psalm 146 (145): A Picture of our God
Alleluia! Praise Yahweh, my soul!
I will praise Yahweh all my life,
I will make music to my God as long as I live.
Do not put your trust in princes, in any child of Adam,
who has no power to save.
When his spirit goes forth he returns to the earth,
on that very day all his plans come to nothing.
How blessed is he who has Jacob's God to help him,
his hope is in Yahweh his God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea and all that is in them.
He keeps faith for ever,
gives justice to the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry;
Yahweh sets prisoners free.
Yahweh gives sight to the blind,
lifts up those who are bowed down.
Yahweh protects the stranger,
he sustains the orphan and the widow.
Yahweh loves the upright,
but he frustrates the wicked.
Yahweh reigns for ever, your God, Zion,
from age to age.
I will praise Yahweh all my life,
I will make music to my God as long as I live.
Do not put your trust in princes, in any child of Adam,
who has no power to save.
When his spirit goes forth he returns to the earth,
on that very day all his plans come to nothing.
How blessed is he who has Jacob's God to help him,
his hope is in Yahweh his God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea and all that is in them.
He keeps faith for ever,
gives justice to the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry;
Yahweh sets prisoners free.
Yahweh gives sight to the blind,
lifts up those who are bowed down.
Yahweh protects the stranger,
he sustains the orphan and the widow.
Yahweh loves the upright,
but he frustrates the wicked.
Yahweh reigns for ever, your God, Zion,
from age to age.
7. Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has
enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit
enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice that which your
Word has revealed to us. May we, like Mary, your mother, not only listen to but
also practice the Word. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of
the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
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