Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s readings continue the theme of prayer. The best way for me to further clarify the theme would be to say that, if last Sunday’s theme was about how to pray, this week’s theme is “How NOT to pray.” For example, the gospel reading contrasts the prayer of the Pharisee with that of the tax-collector. The tables are turned in this parable. The (self) righteous person’s prayer finds no place in God’s eyes, whereas, the sinner goes home justified. Jesus gives us the reason for this reversal of fortunes in the words, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." If we try to understand the first reading in this context, the message is even clearer. Sirach says, God “hears the prayer of the poor.” (Sir 35:13) “The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds…” (Sir 35:17).
I think that the readings are telling us that prayer should transform us into the image in which God wants us. I think the readings are telling us that prayer is not so much an activity as much as it a way of “being” in the presence of God.
How NOT to pray. Certainly, today’s gospel passage is an indication on how not to pray. Why was the prayer of the Pharisee rejected? It seems to me that the main reason for the rejection was the kind of person he had become. The Pharisee’s justification came not from God but from his own actions. The focus of his prayer is not God, but rather, his own fasting and tithing. The problem with his prayer is that it does not express his need for God. His prayer is not indication of a loving relationship with God. His prayer is devoid of his need for redemption. His prayer is a tool for self-righteousness.
The tax-collector, on the other hand, is acutely aware of his inadequacy. He is aware of his dependence on God. His righteousness and justification comes from God’s benevolence rather than his actions. The practical implication of this parable is that prayer is first of all about ‘being.’ We must ‘be’ humble; we must allow God to ‘be’ God in our lives.
I would like once more to turn our focus to the cross and to the altar. Jesus on the cross is the most perfect example of the prayer of a lowly person. His prayer on the cross is without pride, self-righteousness, anger, and self-dependence. His prayer is offered on behalf of all of humanity. I would like this Eucharist to be our prayer. But let is be like the prayer of Jesus. Let us rid ourselves of pride, anger, prejudice, self-righteousness and self-dependence. Rather, let our prayer be an expression of our faith in God’s love for us, our love for God and humanity.
- Fr. Satish Joseph