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.
Alleluia2 COR 5:19
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
and entrusting to us the message of salvation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
and entrusting to us the message of salvation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
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."
Meditation:
"God,
be merciful to me a sinner!"
How
can we know if our prayer is pleasing to God or not? The prophet Hosea, who
spoke in God's name, said: "I desire steadfast love and not
sacrifice" (Hosea 6:6). The prayers and sacrifices we make to God mean
nothing to him if they do not spring from a heart of love for God and for one's
neighbor. How can we expect God to hear our prayers if we do not approach him
with humility and with a contrite heart that seeks mercy and forgiveness? We
stand in constant need of God's grace and help. That is why Scripture tells us
that "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James
4:6; Proverbs 3:34).
God
hears the prayer of the humble
Jesus reinforced this warning with a vivid story of two people at prayer. 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. Expressing disdain and contempt for others is more than being mean-minded. It springs from the assumption that one is qualified to sit in the seat of judgment and to publicly shame those who do not conform to our standards and religious practices. Jesus' story caused offense to the religious-minded Pharisees who regarded "tax collectors" as unworthy of God's grace and favor. How could Jesus put down a "religious person" and raise up a "public sinner"?
Jesus reinforced this warning with a vivid story of two people at prayer. 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. Expressing disdain and contempt for others is more than being mean-minded. It springs from the assumption that one is qualified to sit in the seat of judgment and to publicly shame those who do not conform to our standards and religious practices. Jesus' story caused offense to the religious-minded Pharisees who regarded "tax collectors" as unworthy of God's grace and favor. How could Jesus put down a "religious person" 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, his boastful prayer was centered on
his good religious practices rather than on God's goodness, grace, and pardon.
Rather than humbling himself before God and asking for God's mercy and help,
this man praised himself while despising those he thought less worthy. The
Pharisee tried to justify himself before God and before those he despised; but
only God can justify us. The tax collector, who represented those despised by
religious-minded people, humbled himself before God and begged for mercy. His
prayer was heard by God because he had true sorrow for his sins. He sought God
with humility rather than with pride.
The
humble recognize their need for God's mercy and help
This parable presents both an opportunity and a warning. Pride leads to self-deception and spiritual blindness. True humility helps us to see ourselves as we really are in God's eyes and it inclines us to seek God's help 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 boast in ourselves and 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?
This parable presents both an opportunity and a warning. Pride leads to self-deception and spiritual blindness. True humility helps us to see ourselves as we really are in God's eyes and it inclines us to seek God's help 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 boast in ourselves and 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
Jesus, may your love and truth transform my life - my inner thoughts,
intentions, and attitudes, and my outward behavior, speech, and actions. Where
I lack charity, kindness, and forbearance, help me to embrace your merciful
love and to seek the good of my neighbor, even those who cause me ill-favor or
offense. May I always love as you have loved and forgive others as you have
forgiven."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: The medicine of repentance, by
Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"How
useful and necessary a medicine is repentance! People who remember that they
are only human will readily understand this. It is written, 'God resists the
proud, but gives grace to the humble' (1 Peter 5:5, James 4:6, Job 22:29,
Proverbs 3:34). The Pharisee was not rejoicing so much in his own clean bill of
health as in comparing it with the diseases of others. He came to the doctor.
It would have been more worthwhile to inform him by confession of the things
that were wrong with himself instead of keeping his wounds secret and having
the nerve to crow over the scars of others. It is not surprising that the tax
collector went away cured, since he had not been ashamed of showing where he
felt pain." (excerpt from Sermon 351.1)
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle C
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended
that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Jesus Ben Sirach, the wise and perceptive scribe of Jerusalem, writes movingly of the
chief loves of his life: the Law and the Temple liturgy. He also shows a touching devotion to
the great figures of Israel’s past. He gives us a pithy collection of reflections, mostly on
worldly wisdom, good behavior, tact and good sense. But he insists that Wisdom comes
from God, mediated through the Law. He always has death, the moment of reckoning,
before his eyes, though he gives no clear teaching about the after-life or what the reward
for good works will be.
The “Wisdom of Ben Sirach” was originally written in Hebrew, but, as the forward
says, it was translated into Greek by the author’s grandson in 132 B.C. Jesus Ben Sirach
wrote about 190-180 B.C. Sirach is the only book of Holy Scripture which contains a
forward (which is not considered inspired).
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.
The poor and powerless enjoy a special love and concern of the Lord.
14 He is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her
complaint;
God hears the cry of the poor, the orphan, the widows Bthese are privileged characters in
the Bible (see Exodus 22:21-23, Deuteronomy 24:17-18; Proverbs 23:10-11.
16 He who serves God willingly is heard;
“Willingly” is the key word – service because of duty, obligation, or habit is not sufficient –
it must be willing service.
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,
“It” is the prayer of the lowly, the humble.
judges justly and affirms the right.
2nd Reading - 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Today we wind up our study of 2nd Timothy as we hear Paul’s closing remarks.
Recall that this letter is written as instruction and encouragement to Timothy, whom Paul
installed as Bishop of Ephesus. Timothy has been having difficulties with false teachers and
Paul provides pastoral guidance while he himself is held prisoner in Rome. This letter is
believed to have been written in A.D. 67 with Paul being martyred in A.D. 67 or 68. The
place of his martyrdom in local Roman tradition is the site of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside
the Walls. Since he was a Roman citizen, the mode of execution according to the same
tradition was decapitation
6 For I am already being poured out like a libation,
A libation is a sacrificial rite in which a liquid (usually wine or oil) was poured out on the
altar.
and the time of my departure is at hand.
Paul’s death is near at hand. He is handing on his legacy to Timothy and other future
leaders.
7 I have competed well; I have finished the race;
Paul’s letters are full of athletic imagery: races, fights, etc. These images are used to exhort
the reader to keep his attention focused on the prize which goes to the winner; the victor’s
crown which is awarded by the chief judge.
I have kept the faith.
Paul has preserved and guarded the deposit of faith.
8 From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day,
The parousia, the day of judgment
and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.
All who out of love for Christ have lived a Christian life as a preparation for their
appearance at the judgment.
16 At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me.
It is possible that Paul is referring to his Roman house arrest, but more likely he alludes to a
first hearing in his present trial.
“Story has it that the apostle, after defending himself, was again sent upon the ministry of
preaching and coming a second time to the same city met death by martyrdom under Nero.
While he was being held in prison, he composed the second epistle to Timothy, at the same
time indicating that his first defense had taken place and that martyrdom was at hand.”
[Eusebius Pamphilus of Caesarea (between A.D. 300-325), History of the Church 2,22]
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.
Assuming that the first hearing was at his present trial, Paul was successful in preaching
the Gospel before the judges and all those present for the occasion.
And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
A biblical image (Psalm 22:21; Daniel 6:22).
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
Paul is not referring to release from his present imprisonment, he will be rescued for the
heavenly kingdom.
and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Gospel - Luke 18:9-14
As we proceed from our gospel reading last week which presented Jesus’ first
parable on prayer, we now hear the second parable on prayer. Recall that the question has
often been put to Jesus “When and how will the end come?” Jesus’ answer is always that we
are to persevere in prayer and humility. These two parables (the one we heard last week
and this one) appear only in Luke and in this one we are reminded that our virtuous works
what we are proud of will not earn us entrance into God’s kingdom.
9 He [Jesus] 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;
The hours of prayer were 9 A.M. and 3 P.M.
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisees were completely “just” before the Law, that is why they had such confidence
in themselves. Tax collectors were always considered to be sinners.
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.’
The Pharisee carefully spells out why he is just, just in case God hadn’t noticed.
13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to
heaven but beat his breast
A sign of repentance and mourning
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.”
The tax collector is forgiven of his sins because of his humble repentance. He has
recognized his need of God’s mercy and has shown sorrow for his sins. The Pharisee,
however, does not need God’s justification because he has justified himself (once saved,
always saved?).
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended
that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Jesus Ben Sirach, the wise and perceptive scribe of Jerusalem, writes movingly of the
chief loves of his life: the Law and the Temple liturgy. He also shows a touching devotion to
the great figures of Israel’s past. He gives us a pithy collection of reflections, mostly on
worldly wisdom, good behavior, tact and good sense. But he insists that Wisdom comes
from God, mediated through the Law. He always has death, the moment of reckoning,
before his eyes, though he gives no clear teaching about the after-life or what the reward
for good works will be.
The “Wisdom of Ben Sirach” was originally written in Hebrew, but, as the forward
says, it was translated into Greek by the author’s grandson in 132 B.C. Jesus Ben Sirach
wrote about 190-180 B.C. Sirach is the only book of Holy Scripture which contains a
forward (which is not considered inspired).
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.
The poor and powerless enjoy a special love and concern of the Lord.
14 He is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her
complaint;
God hears the cry of the poor, the orphan, the widows Bthese are privileged characters in
the Bible (see Exodus 22:21-23, Deuteronomy 24:17-18; Proverbs 23:10-11.
16 He who serves God willingly is heard;
“Willingly” is the key word – service because of duty, obligation, or habit is not sufficient –
it must be willing service.
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,
“It” is the prayer of the lowly, the humble.
judges justly and affirms the right.
2nd Reading - 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Today we wind up our study of 2nd Timothy as we hear Paul’s closing remarks.
Recall that this letter is written as instruction and encouragement to Timothy, whom Paul
installed as Bishop of Ephesus. Timothy has been having difficulties with false teachers and
Paul provides pastoral guidance while he himself is held prisoner in Rome. This letter is
believed to have been written in A.D. 67 with Paul being martyred in A.D. 67 or 68. The
place of his martyrdom in local Roman tradition is the site of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside
the Walls. Since he was a Roman citizen, the mode of execution according to the same
tradition was decapitation
6 For I am already being poured out like a libation,
A libation is a sacrificial rite in which a liquid (usually wine or oil) was poured out on the
altar.
and the time of my departure is at hand.
Paul’s death is near at hand. He is handing on his legacy to Timothy and other future
leaders.
7 I have competed well; I have finished the race;
Paul’s letters are full of athletic imagery: races, fights, etc. These images are used to exhort
the reader to keep his attention focused on the prize which goes to the winner; the victor’s
crown which is awarded by the chief judge.
I have kept the faith.
Paul has preserved and guarded the deposit of faith.
8 From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day,
The parousia, the day of judgment
and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.
All who out of love for Christ have lived a Christian life as a preparation for their
appearance at the judgment.
16 At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me.
It is possible that Paul is referring to his Roman house arrest, but more likely he alludes to a
first hearing in his present trial.
“Story has it that the apostle, after defending himself, was again sent upon the ministry of
preaching and coming a second time to the same city met death by martyrdom under Nero.
While he was being held in prison, he composed the second epistle to Timothy, at the same
time indicating that his first defense had taken place and that martyrdom was at hand.”
[Eusebius Pamphilus of Caesarea (between A.D. 300-325), History of the Church 2,22]
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.
Assuming that the first hearing was at his present trial, Paul was successful in preaching
the Gospel before the judges and all those present for the occasion.
And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
A biblical image (Psalm 22:21; Daniel 6:22).
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
Paul is not referring to release from his present imprisonment, he will be rescued for the
heavenly kingdom.
and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Gospel - Luke 18:9-14
As we proceed from our gospel reading last week which presented Jesus’ first
parable on prayer, we now hear the second parable on prayer. Recall that the question has
often been put to Jesus “When and how will the end come?” Jesus’ answer is always that we
are to persevere in prayer and humility. These two parables (the one we heard last week
and this one) appear only in Luke and in this one we are reminded that our virtuous works
what we are proud of will not earn us entrance into God’s kingdom.
9 He [Jesus] 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;
The hours of prayer were 9 A.M. and 3 P.M.
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisees were completely “just” before the Law, that is why they had such confidence
in themselves. Tax collectors were always considered to be sinners.
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.’
The Pharisee carefully spells out why he is just, just in case God hadn’t noticed.
13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to
heaven but beat his breast
A sign of repentance and mourning
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.”
The tax collector is forgiven of his sins because of his humble repentance. He has
recognized his need of God’s mercy and has shown sorrow for his sins. The Pharisee,
however, does not need God’s justification because he has justified himself (once saved,
always saved?).
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS
http://www.scborromeo.org
http://www.scborromeo.org
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)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, LUKE 18:9-14
(Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18)
KEY VERSE: "The tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ (v13)
TO KNOW: After teaching his disciples on the necessity of praying with persistence (Luke 18:1-8), 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 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.
TO LOVE: Does my pride get in the way of serving God and others?
TO SERVE: Pray the ancient Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
With broken heart and contrite sigh, a trembling sinner, Lord, I cry. Thy pardoning grace is rich and free, O God, be merciful to me!
PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY
Priesthood Sunday, the last Sunday of October, is a special day set aside to honor the priesthood in the United States. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church. Priesthood Sunday sends a message to all that the sins of a few do not reflect the innocent majority, and that the parish priest, as the instrument of Christ's ministry on earth, is loved and respected by those in the parish community. This nationwide event is coordinated by the USA Council of Serra International. It is sponsored by the USA Council of Serra International and the Serra International Foundation.
Sunday 27 October 2019
30th Sunday In Ordinary Time
Ecclesiasticus 35:12-14, 16-19. Psalm 32(33):2-3, 17-19, 23. 2
Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18. Luke 18:9-14.
The Lord hears the cry of the poor – Psalm 32(33):2-3, 17-19, 23
‘God be merciful to me, a sinner!’
When I pray, do I look at the sins of the other or at my own
failings? We see two attitudes to prayer in this parable. The Pharisee’s
attitude to God was one of racking up credits for himself, such as fasting and
paying extra tax, so didn’t God owe him? Then there is his attitude towards
others, especially the tax-collector; he despised him and was arrogant,
complacent and scornful of sinners.
The Pharisee only compared himself to others, congratulating
himself on all he was doing, yet it was the tax-collector who looked within
himself and could see how he had failed to love and this moved him closer to
God. Pope Francis has said, ‘I am a sinner on whom the Lord has turned his
gaze’. It is a phrase I take to heart, as we need this merciful gaze if we are
to continue on the journey.
Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza
Saint of the Day for October 27
(c. 1200 – 1271)
 |
| Statue of Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza | Monastery of Saint Bartholomew-Saint Anthony, Vicenza, Italy | photo by Claudio Gioseffi |
Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza’s Story
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 IX 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.
Reflection
Despite oppositions and obstacles, Bartholomew remained faithful
to his ministry to God’s People. We face daily challenges to our faithfulness
and duties as well. Perhaps Bartholomew could serve as an inspiration in our
darker moments.
Lectio Divina: 30th Sunday of ordinary time (C)
Lectio Divina
Sunday, October 27, 2019
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 silence in us 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 on the way to 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 the Father to us and sent us Your Spirit. Amen.
Create silence in us 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 on the way to 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 the Father to us 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 perceived a revelation of God 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 people? 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: What is the objective and who are those to whom the two parables are addressed? What are the attitudes of the people 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 people? 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: What is the objective and who are those to whom the two parables are addressed? What are the attitudes of the people 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:
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them
to pray always without becoming weary. He said, "There was a judge in a
certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow
in that town used to come to him and say, 'Render a just decision for me
against my adversary.' For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually
he thought, 'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human
being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision
for her lest she finally come and strike me.'" The Lord said, "Pay
attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights
of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer
them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But
when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
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."
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 parables?
Why?
b) Which is the attitude of the widow and of the judge? What is it that strikes you most in the attitude of the each one of them? Why?
c) What 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 you most in the attitude of the each one of them? Why?
c) What 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 today it is necessary to pray always, while today there are
also people 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 “God 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 “God 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 people, 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 people, 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 Jesus’ final question: “When the Son of man comes, will He find any faith on earth?” That is, will our faith be as persistent as that of the widow, who resists without losing heart, until she obtains God’s answer? Because, as 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 Jesus’ final question: “When the Son of man comes, will He find any faith on earth?” That is, will our faith be as persistent as that of the widow, who resists without losing heart, until she obtains God’s answer? Because, as 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 sentence: “He spoke the following parable to some people who prided themselves on being upright and despised everyone else!” Luke’s sentence 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 sentence: “He spoke the following parable to some people who prided themselves on being upright and despised everyone else!” Luke’s sentence 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 honored 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 honored 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 to even raise his eyes, but he beats his heart and says, “My God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” He takes his place before God.
The tax collector does not dare to even raise his eyes, but he beats his heart and says, “My God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” He takes his 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 people.
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 people.
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 (Heb 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
Jesus’ life of prayer. 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 baptized 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 awakens 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 to 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).
* 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 baptized 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 awakens 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 to 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 make. 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 Himself composed 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 forever, your God, Zion,
from age to age.
but He frustrates the wicked.
Yahweh reigns forever, your God, Zion,
from age to age.
7. Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You 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 what 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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