St James Catholic Church

When we pray, are we directing our prayer outward to God, or are we directing it inward toward ourselves?  In Jesus’ parable, he says that the Pharisee said his prayer to himself.  This could mean that he said it silently, but it could also indicate that he directed it to and for himself.  After all, he’s congratulating himself on his goodness.  He does not even ask God for anything, for he does not realize he needs God for everything.  The tax collector, on the other hand, pleads with God for mercy, beating his breast and bowing his head.  Perhaps the lowly, the poor, and the oppressed of the first reading are better heard by God because they actually turn to God.  They realize their neediness.

“The one who humbles oneself will be exalted.” (Lk 18:14)  Perhaps this is because the humble person is not seeking exaltation in the first place.  Those who seek exaltation will never find it.  Jesus, on the other hand, humbled himself to take on our humanity.  He then humbled himself further in dying on the cross.  Through these most humbling acts he became exalted above all others.

How can we imitate God?  We can reach out in love and charity to those who are needier than we are.  They are crying out in their need.  We must trust that God hears them, but we must try to hear them as well.  Rather than turning away or wringing our hands in despair, we can look to see what we can do to help.  What prayer do we need to make to God today?

Love, Peace, Joy

Fr. Bob