Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
Today’s Gospel is very much about pride. Through the Pharisee and the tax collector, this reading gives us insight into the Lenten practices of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. In the Pharisee, we see how fasting and almsgiving can be used to boost our own ego as he felt superior to others because of doing these religious practices. His prayer is interesting too. Even though he addressed God, Jesus described the Pharisee’s prayer by saying that the Pharisee “spoke this prayer to himself.” Jesus seemed to be implying that prayers that are self-glorifying aren’t really prayers, but pep talks which God can’t seem to respond to. On the other hand, the tax collector acknowledged his need for God’s mercy. Through this parable, Jesus taught what is reflected in today’s Responsorial Psalm and first reading: God wants a “contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled,” (Psalm 51:19). How have you offered a contrite and humble spirit to God this Lent?
The other Lenten practices of fasting and almsgiving should also lead us to humility. Fasting helps us know more about ourselves and realize our dependence on God. Almsgiving is the action that recognizes the needs of others and that we are not better than anyone else because we can give more. We are to be active missionaries of the Gospel no complacent ones. Blessed Adele de Trenquelleon, founder of the Marianist Sisters, made this reflection in her letter to her friend (and future Marianist Sister) Agathe, “[The Pharisee] thanks [God], therefore he acknowledges the Author. Yet his complacency is the reason for his condemnation, just as humility of the publican is the cause of his justification,” (Letter no. 98). Has this Lenten season led you to the joy of Easter or complacency? May you have a Lenten season full of growth.
-Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI