Fr. Bob's Reflection for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time – October 23, 2022 Hello. This is Father Bob Warren. Speaking to you from Graymoor in Garrison, New York. The home of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. Our Gospel for today, the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, comes from Luke, Chapter 18, verses 9 to 14. Many of us look back and feel guilty about something we said or did in the past. If only we could undo the cruel deed, we would un-say the harsh words. But, unfortunately, that is often not possible. What are we to do? Jesus tells us a story about how one man dealt with his sense of shame. He went to the temple and stood in some dark corner with his head down and said, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Another man was in the temple that day. He seemed to be totally different; his prayer was a litany of praise. Not to God, but to himself. Had he never done or said anything of which he was ashamed? If he had, he certainly managed to keep it hidden. That is another way of dealing with shame. We can bury it so deeply that no eyes can see it, not even our own. If you have a sense of shame, be glad of it. It is one sure sign of your humanity. We have what is called “conscience.” It speaks to us about the things we say or do. Sometimes it blames us, sometimes it affirms us. When our conscience says, shame on you, pay attention -- it may be an opportunity to become a better person. This sense of shame is something we should be glad for. If we never feel it, chances are that we are excusing ourselves for some things that are inexcusable. I think that was what the Pharisee in our story was doing; he was not a monster, at least not the kind who committed crimes that would land him in jail. But he was a phony; he pretended goodness and separated himself from the human family. And what was worse, it also separated him from God. When we are honest and admit our faults and failures, then we are getting real. It puts us on good terms with God; He cannot forgive what we refuse to admit. Listen to what Jesus says about the sinner. This man went home from the temple justified. The barriers had been swept away; he and God were right with one another. God had accepted him just the way He was. Have you ever tried to have a close relationship with someone who lies? You never will, because you never get a straight look at the real person. They are always hiding behind a mask. You cannot get close to a person like that. Nor can God, because they never get honest, never get real. The tax collector did that, he was ashamed of himself and dared to say so right in the presence of God. The Pharisee was not willing to do that; his pride would not allow it. So he put on his good-boy mask and kept on pretending. The result was that one went home from the temple justified and the other man just went home. He did not realize that. Prayer is not so much about trying to change God’s mind or heart. It is all about changing us and that is why the Pharisee’s prayer is so meaningless. There is nothing in his life to change. No room for the concerns of others, there are no empty places to be filled up. The tax collector, the sinful man that he was, had no illusion about himself. He recognized his failures and prayed for forgiveness. In his truthful, humble, God-centered and life-changing manner of praying. The tax collector continues to be our teacher and our guide. One man encountered God, the other did not. When you come to the temple to pray, do not bring your ego or pride in the presence of Christ. You do not need them. It is in Christ that we can become whole, become complete. Once in a while, you may want to whisper, “Lord be merciful to me, a sinner.” Praised be Jesus Christ. Now and forever more. Amen. Yours in Christ, Father Bob Warren, S.A. Signature Fr. Bob Warren, SA FRANCISCAN FRIARS of the ATONEMENT - SERVING OTHERS FOR OVER 120 YEARS www.AtonementFriars.org GRAYMOOR P.O. Box 301, Garrison, NY 10524 For more information call us at 888-720-8247. © 2022