True Humility and Repentance for our Sins

10-23-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss

Dear People of God,

Praise the Lord. First of all, I appreciate all those who participated in the Square Rosary Rally held on 15th October at our Fountain City Park. There were about twenty people gathered, recited Rosary and prayed for our beautiful country.

The main theme of this Sunday’s readings is that true humility and repentance for our sins must be the hallmark of our prayers. In last week’s readings we were encouraged to remain persistent in our prayer life. Today we focus on the proper attitude towards our prayer to God.

The first reading, from Sirach, declares “the prayer of the lowly, pierces the clouds to reach the unseen throne of God.” Such prayers are heard because they come from the hearts of people who know how much they need God. Although God has no favorites and answers the prayers of all, the oppressed, the orphans, the widows, and those who can least help themselves are His special concern.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus Himself gives further instruction on the humble attitude we must have as we approach God in prayer as He tells a parable of two praying men. One is a Pharisee and the other man is a tax collector. Jesus tells us that it is the tax collector and not the Pharisee who leaves the temple justified. Why?

The Pharisee was full of self as he approached God. He felt no real need for God as he rattled off his resume of good works and spiritual practices. He was simply going through the motions of prayer. His lack of humility prevented him from entering a real dialogue with the Father. He was so full of himself that He left God no space to enter in. The tax collector, by contrast, emptied himself as he approached God. He recognized who he truly was (a sinner) and asked simply for mercy, leaving all the rest up to God. This is the kind of attitude that God can work with!

In short, we need to pray with trust, with complete openness to God’s will and with a humble attitude, then God will respond to us. Have a Happy and Blessed Sunday!