Homily of the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp
Sirach 35:15b-17, 20-22b, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14
We all have stories to tell. If we are sincere, we all have testimonies to share about the goodness of God. Likewise, everyone experiences low moments that often shake our very existence and make us feel dejected. In all these, God remains our only arbiter. Blaming others for our failures only deepens our pain, while talking down on them because of our success amounts to attributing our triumph to our own efforts rather than God’s grace. It is self-defeating.
The Book of Sirach reminds us that God is an impartial judge who never abandons those who sincerely turn to him in their distress.
Paul in the second reading, confidently boast about his service for Christ, but didn’t enthrone himself as superior to others. He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.” He chose not to condemn those who deserted him in his ministry. Everybody should be given the chance to experience God’s mercy. Paul said, “At my first defence no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!”
However, we have the contrast in the gospel where the Pharisee exalted himself before the Lord and said, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” His boast was aimed at diminishing others, and not as a testimony of his life in God. On the other hand, a tax collector stayed far off and said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” The tax collector went home justified and the pharisee only prayed to himself and stood condemned.
A Yorubas says, Elejo tó bá mọ̀ ẹjọ́ rẹ̀ lẹ́bì kì í pé lórí ìkúnlẹ̀” “A dependant who accepts his fault does not kneel for long” If we must boast, let us boast in God. If we must compare ourselves with someone, let us compare ourselves only with God., before whom we are not worthy safe by his grace. We can’t step on others to shine. We are all in need of God’s mercy.
True prayer is built on humility and not on self-righteousness. When we take too much pride in ourselves, we close the door of grace, but by our humility, we open the door wide. Perfection is a journey. It is a process. Hence, lets always approach the throne of God’s grace where we can find mercy in the times of our needs.
May humility be our cloak.
