Lord, teach me Humility ~ A Reflection on the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Sir 35:12-14, 16-18

Ps 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18

Lk 18:9-14

In Luke's Gospel, we see a true example of humility.  As we read the story of the two men at prayer in the temple, we are repulsed by the prayer of the Pharisee, whose whole demeanor tells us that he has no conception of how to pray.  All we hear are his words of praise of himself and his belittling words about the tax collector who is standing farther away from him in the temple.  There is no notion of humility in the Pharisee's prayer.  Despite his standing in the Jewish community and his adherence to the Law, this Pharisee has not learned anything about how to approach the Lord in prayer.

On the other hand, the despised tax collector, recognizing that he is a sinful man, dares not even look up.  All he can do is to beat his breast and ask for forgiveness.  "O Lord, be merciful to me a sinner."

Jesus tells us that the tax collector went home feeling justified.  Forgiveness had been granted to him; whereas, the Pharisee was left with nothing but his pride.

C. S. Lewis has a fine quote about humility.  He writes: "Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."  If only we could do that!

Our God is a saving God.  As the psalmist writes, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves."  Our humble prayer is one of trust that our God will take care of us, no matter what.  Paul writes to Timothy and tells him that "the Lord stood by me and gave me strength" during all the trials that he had to undergo.  Paul understood that he could do nothing without the Lord and he lifted up his prayer of praise:  "To him be glory forever and ever."

Amen!  



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