Today’s Lectionary readings encourage humility, trust in God’s justice, perseverance in faith, and prayer that rises from the lowly. We are invited to examine our stance before God and neighbour, acknowledging our dependence on divine mercy rather than self-righteousness.
Readings (Year C)
• 1st Reading: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 — “The Lord will not ignore the supplication of the orphan, the widow when she pours out her complaint.”
• Psalm: Psalms 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23 — “The Lord hears the cry of the poor.”
• 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 — “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
• Gospel: Luke 18:9-14 — The parable of the Pharisee and the tax-collector: one boasts, the other humbly prays, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
Reflection
In Sirach we hear that God does not “respect persons”, but listens especially to those who are humble, oppressed, or wronged. The Psalm reiterates: God hears the cry of the poor, is near the brokenhearted, saves the humble. The reading to Timothy shifts the scene: the faithful life is likened to a race, a fight, a finishing of the course. Finally, in Luke’s Gospel we are confronted with two ways of praying: the self-righteous voice and the humble admission of need.
These readings invite us not primarily to judge others but to examine ourselves: do we come before God trusting in our own righteousness — like the Pharisee — or do we come with the tax-collector’s honesty: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner”? The good fight is not only external – it is the internal struggle to let go of pride, to rely wholly on grace, to live in humble dependence.
As a community or as individuals, we may ask ourselves:
• Where do I rely on my own efforts instead of God’s mercy?
• How often do I pray as the tax-collector: simply, honestly, vulnerably?
• Am I alert to the cry of the poor and oppressed around me — and does my faith move me toward action?
• Do I see the race of faith as finished, or one I am still in, needing God’s strength?
God invites us to the second place, to the humble posture, and in that, to receive mercy and to live in peace.
Prayer
Gracious and just God,
you hear the cry of the poor,
you uphold the humble, you stand with the oppressed.
In your mercy you call us to trust not in our own strength or righteousness,
but to come seeking your face, confessing our need.
Grant us hearts of gratitude and dependence,
that we might run the race set before us with endurance,
relying on your power, finishing our course in faith.
Teach us to hear the cries of those around us,
to respond with compassion and justice,
and to humbly live out your mercy in word and deed.
We praise you for your faithfulness,
we entrust ourselves to you,
and we pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hymn Suggestion & Verse
Here is a hymn from Singing the Faith that links well to our themes — humility, honest prayer, being seen by God.
It’s Me, It’s Me, O Lord (StF 523)
“Not my brother, nor my sister,
but it’s me, O Lord,
standing in the need of prayer.”
This simple, repeated refrain echoes the Gospel’s plea and the Psalm’s assurance: the Lord hears the cry of the poor, so here I am, in my need, before you.
You are invited to
• Spend a few moments in silence. Ask: “Is it me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer?”
• Consider writing down a word or phrase that captures your need today.
• Offer that need in prayer. Then, worship — perhaps sing (or reflect on) the hymn verse above.
• Think of someone whose cry you might hear this week — pray for them, act on their behalf.
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