Reflection for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sirach 35: 12-14, 16-18; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14

The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;

it does not rest till it reaches its goal…

The Lord’s ways are far above our ways. His logic is so superior, because God is infinitely wise. What does that mean for me? Well, if I am going to understand “the big picture” of life I have to look up towards God and within myself more deeply. This week’s readings guide us to do just that.

From Saint Paul’s experience as he related to Saint Timothy, he knew he could depend on God’s help. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom.” Paul didn’t say how he would be brought up to heaven, but we know he did gain the great prize of dying for Truth, which is Jesus Christ.

Passing through the dark doorway of death, whether through martyrdom or not, is the only way to enter into the eternal joy for which God made us. Perhaps death would not be so fearful if, even as Christians, we would discuss heaven more often. The unending vision of God in heaven is the high and hopeful view we hold.

The Gospel of Saint Luke inspires us to look for a deeper view. The proud Pharisee stood in his own “limelight” to congratulate himself on doing good things. Our Lord said that he was not justified. We might think right away, “Why not?” Shouldn’t we be happy that we keep the commandments, as the Pharisee was? Surely. However, God deserves the credit for the grace He gives us to do His will. Father John Hardon, SJ, would comment that we need God’s grace just to stay in the state of grace.

This poor Pharisee was just comparing himself to other poor men. We need to use God’s standards of humility, service, and self-sacrifice to see if we measure up. We need to spend time in prayer, really listening, so the Holy Spirit can lead us to see things as God does. He sees higher and deeper and with time and effort in prayer, His perspective will become ours.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than my thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).