'God, be merciful to me a sinner.'

Saturday: Third Week of Lent

Reading Luke 18: 9 – 14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were

righteous and regarded others with contempt.  Two men went up to the

temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee,

standing by himself was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like the

other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast

twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” But the tax collector, standing

far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast saying,

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you; this man went down to his

home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be

humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’

Reflection

In the book of Ezekiel we see where God punishes the King of Tyre for his pride and arrogance. Death at the hand of his enemies was his lot because he placed false gods before the name of the Lord. (Ezekiel 28: 1-10) If only the pharisees had listened and learnt they would not have embarked on a journey of spiritual self-destruction. In comparison the tax collector, familiar with the psalms of David pleads for mercy for his sin. ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious slow to anger and abounding in merciful love.’ (Psalm 103:8) In his prayer he may also have heard the words, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart". (Isaiah 40:1-11) and so he approached his God with humility and trust that his transgressions would be wiped out.   Jesus noticed that the message of the Old Testament had not been taken to heart by the pharisees and uses a story to demonstrate the judgments and attitudes of the person who sees themselves as righteous but are lacking in self -knowledge and a commitment to love. He used the parable to remind them of the bountiful mercy of God that is available to the humble of heart those who turn away from sin to a life of holiness. Conscious of his own sin, the tax collector kept his distance and begged for mercy.  Our compassionate Father reached down to him, embraced him in love and freed him of the burden that separated him from God.  Filled with deep inner peace, he returned to his home, and I sense that he shared his good news with his next of kin and became a missionary of the gospel.

This parable is also for me where I am asked to reflect on my own life so that I may be converted and healed.  I am reminded that there is no virtue in going to the temple to pray if I am not living in right relationship with my neighbour; I ask myself if I am just in my dealings with the people that God has placed in my life or am I critical, resentful or indifferent? Am I aware of my need of God and with a humble and contrite heart return to Him and ask for his mercy and forgiveness for the hidden as well as the obvious sins that weigh upon my heart?  I am invited to deepen my trust in his mercy and forgiveness so that no sin can ever separate me from his great love. Through the power of His Holy Spirit I am reminded of the words of the Psalmist when He prays,‘Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin.’ (Psalm 51: 1-2) I am reminded of God’s call to genuine mercy and authentic sacrifice.

“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6) Like the tax collector I too am invited back to the bosom of my Father when I acknowledge my sin, ask for mercy, desire through the power of His Holy Spirit to live a righteous life and in so doing, draw other people to God.

Do you believe in God’s unconditional love and forgiveness of you no matter what sin may weigh upon your heart.

Where is God calling you to conversion today? What will your response be?

As a token of gratitude what alms can you offer the Lord or others today?

  Prayer

God our Father, I thank you for your mercy and love.

I ask for the grace to live an authentic, Christian life which will give glory to you.Forgive me for my faults.

Fill me with your grace and courage so that I may know myself as you know me.

May I return to you in all humility of heart;

Through your grace, may I draw ever closer to you.  Amen.