The Exalted
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 18:9-14 - Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity - greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
This awesome Gospel passage shows us a very important lesson—one that might confuse us a bit at first. The man who proudly performs all the “righteous” acts of the law is not the one who pleases God. Instead, the man who hasn’t kept the law, but humbly begs God for mercy, pleases God in his prayer. Humility is a main ingredient for pleasing God and obtaining union with Him here and in heaven. Why is humility so important? It is impossible for us creatures who are little, weak, dark, selfish, sinful, dying…to impress a God who is infinitely great, strong, light, self-giving, perfect, living. God doesn’t owe us because of our greatness. No, God helps us in our littleness.
If we are justified before God, it is due to His mercy, not to our merits. When we beg God for mercy we not only admit our littleness, but we declare His infinite greatness. The saints—such as Térèse of Lisieux or Mother Teresa—understood this, but many people do not. Faith tells us that it is up to God to save us. And it is up to us to accept His help. We can do this only in humility. Never forget that we are beggars. Beg God for humility in prayer…it is the only way to receive God!
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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