This weekend’s Old Testament reading is from the Book of Sirach.  This book of Holy Scripture was written about 190–180 B.C.  The author was a scribe who had a deep love for the Law and the Temple liturgy.  In Chapter 35, verses 17 and 18, we read “The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right.”  

He’s describing the prayer of the lowly and humble, like that of the tax collector in our Gospel passage.  Unlike the Pharisee who tells God why he is so just (just in case God hadn’t noticed), the tax collector “stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast.”  This was a sign of repentance, just like we do during the penitential rite at the beginning of Mass, when we strike our breast and say the words “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.”

God can do great works in us when we humble ourselves and repent.  It takes humility (and a little courage) to ask for forgiveness as we present ourselves before the Lord in the sacrament of reconciliation.  However, this is a great grace that helps us to remain focused on the prize that Saint Paul describes in his second letter to Timothy, whom he had installed as Bishop of Ephesus.

“Keep the faith, compete well, and finish the race”.  YOU were made for this!
 

By Deacon Dave Arms

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Reflection