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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider O God, be merciful to me a sinner

O God, be merciful to me a sinner

Published Mar 8, 2024 04:22 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

Jesus tells a parable that contrasts two figures: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee’s prayer is not so much a prayer for himself, but more of a prayer about himself. The tax collector’s words are simple: “O God, be merciful to me a sinner” (v 13). He sees his sinfulness and therefore becomes full of shame and sorrow. In his prayer, the man calls on God to ask for a favor: mercy. 

This is what we do at the beginning of each Eucharistic Celebration—we beg the Lord for mercy. There is even an alternative formula for the act of contrition that is almost like the prayer of the tax collector: “Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” (The Jesus Prayer). 

Jesus concludes by saying that the tax collector goes home justified. The one who is righteous is the one who may have sinned but has received God’s declaration as righteous. In humbling ourselves, we let God take a free hand in bringing us higher. What disposition do I have whenever I pray to God? Is the manner of my prayer more like that of the Pharisee, or of the tax collector?

Gospel • Luke 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 everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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