REFLECTIONS TODAY
The Gospel parable mirrors two kinds of prayer. The Pharisee prays, not to God, but to himself (he spoke the prayer to himself). The publican, on the other hand, beats his breast and can barely set his eyes on God, a sign of humiliation and sorrow. A proud person has little place for God in his heart.
He uses his freedom to deliberately choose himself as he seeks, not God, but the praise and admiration of the people who see him. Thus, every time we become proud in front of God and other people, we cut off our relationship with them because we choose not to be genuine before them.
Often, we sin and fail to remain faithful, but we should not hide this from God (actually, we cannot!). While we cover up for our mistakes, we also hinder the growth and deepening of our relationship with God. God knows us deeply and can heal our deepest wounds. We only need to let him have full reign in our hearts.
First Reading • Hos 6:1-6
“Come, let us return to the Lord, it is he who has rent, but he will heal us; he has struck us, but he will bind our wounds. He will revive us after two days; on the third day he will raise us up, to live in his presence. Let us know, let us strive to know the Lord; as certain as the dawn is his coming, and his judgment shines forth like the light of day! He will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth.”
What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away. For this reason I smote them through the prophets, I slew them by the words of my mouth; for it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
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: “365 Days with the Lord 2025.” E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.