Breaking Open the Word
October 26
Introduction
The first reading is from the book of Sirach. Although Protestants exclude the Book of Sirach from their Bibles, the book was widely used by Jews and then Christians. It was written in the early second century BC. Because the work contains many teachings about how to live in a way that pleases God, the early church used it to teach converts how to be just, moral, and holy. This passage is chosen to accompany today’s gospel story about the Pharisee and the tax collector at prayer in the temple. These sayings insist repeatedly that God treats all people fairly and does not give preferential treatment of the rich and powerful. God listens to the poor, the orphan and the widow but does not show undue partiality to them, either. Anyone who serves the Lord will be heard. This is a truth that many people today need to know. The rich and powerful have so much influence in every society that the “little people” often feel that they have no recourse. This reading reminds us that even the least among us has access to God.
The second reading is from Paul’s second letter to Timothy. In these verses, Paul speaks of his life as nearing its end. He speaks of being poured out like a libation, a sacrifice in which a liquid (often blood or wine) is poured out as an offering. Because he has remained faithful, he knows that a crown awaits him at the Lord’s second coming. The same crown awaits all who have lived in a way that shows they eagerly await the Lord. Paul speaks at a first hearing in court, he is under arrest in Rome. He notes that everyone abandoned him and prays that they will be forgiven for this. God did not abandon him but saved him from death. The final verses express Paul’s continuing confidence in God’s providence. He clearly expects to die soon, but God will rescue him by bringing him to the heavenly kingdom.
Gospel Explained
This reading continues last Sunday’s discussion of prayer. Today’s parable contrasts two men who are in the temple to pray. The first man, a Pharisee, has avoided sin. He has fasted twice a week. Pharisees fasted even from water on Monday’s and Thursdays. He has tithed not only on his produce, which was required, but on all his wealth. In short, he has done more than the law requires. The tax collector, on the other hand, has no good works to claim. He is a sinner and he knows it as does everyone else. After describing the two men, Jesus surprises his audiences, expectations. The sinner is pronounced justified while the holy man is not.
Jesus does not indicate that the Pharisee is dishonest in his self-assessment. He may in fact be as righteous under the law as he claims. It is the manner of his prayer that is of most interest. Although he addresses his prayer to God, he is praying for himself, focusing his attention on his own glories by contrasting himself with such a worthless person as the tax collector. It is this contempt for others that signals to the reader that the Pharisee is not so righteous after all.
Today's Theme
Today’s Theme: Exalted or Humbled?
The point of this story is signaled at the beginning and at the end. Jesus told the parable to those who trusted in their self-righteousness, and the final adage insists that such self-exaltation will lead ultimately to downfall. All those who take religion seriously face this temptation. It is so easy to begin to think of our efforts as justifying ourselves before God. But salvation is always God’s free gift. We cannot earn it, we do not deserve it, so we are never in a position to look down on anyone else. Any goodness you have is a gift from God. Humility is the only proper stance for any of us before God.
Theme in our Life Today
God alone makes people righteous. God alone brings people into a life-giving relationship with him. The tax collector knows that he can’t do anything to justify himself, so he simply calls upon God for mercy. The Pharisee seems to have forgotten this. If we condemn the Pharisee, however, then we make the same mistake he did.
It is a tragedy that those who justify themselves leave no room to receive grace. Morally they may be living exemplary lives, yet their self-justification leaves no room for the grace of God to take hold. God cannot give grace to them because they are not ready to receive it; they are too full. If we are proud and complacent, there is not much room for God. On the other hand, if we are truly humble, we will find grace, mercy and peace. There must be a space in our lives for grace to enter and work its miracle. One lesson of the parable for us is that we must keep our focus entirely on God and our relationship with him, recognizing that we are constantly in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness.
It is easy to contrast oneself with other and either exalt oneself or wallow in self- blame. Focus on seeing yourself as God sees you: lovable and good, but also prone to error. Strive to assess yourself honestly. Be thankful and have a contrite heart!
Prepare for Sunday
1. When you do identify with characteristics of the Pharisee? When do you identify with characteristics of the tax collector?
2. Think of an experience when you felt humble enough to see things differently.
3. Where are you working too hard at something? Where aren’t you working hard enough? What will you do about that soon?
4. Who are the people we consider not as good as us?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
during your ministry you sometimes prayed for the entire night.
Praying for only one hour sounds scary to me.
I know that I should pray more,
but I don’t always know how.
Sometimes prayer seems like an assignment instead of a way to spend time with you.
Help me to pray.
Help me to pray daily.
Help me to pray with all my being. Help me to persevere in my prayer.
Let me never be afraid to approach you in prayer. Let me know that you are with me when I pray, that you are listening, that you are speaking, and that you love me.
I ask this in your holy name. Amen.