Today, Jesus leaves no doubt; he is very clear, that he condemns those who are convinced of their own righteousness, and look down upon others which is far from being "just" in the eyes of God. The only way to become “just” in the eyes of God is through our humility – like the tax collector who, with head bowed, struck his breast and prayed, “Oh God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” His focus is not on his own accomplishments or shortcomings, but on the mercy of God. He is not turned inward selfishly on himself, but outward on a God, who longs to unite this soul to himself.
By humility, we disappear, as it were, in order to let our Lord show himself. As John the Baptist said, “He must increase, and I must decrease.” Humility helps us to acknowledge that we are sinners – all of us – and in constant need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Only the humble person confesses his sins; in fact, going to confession is an excellent exercise in humility, in which we point the finger, not at others, but rather at ourselves.
Let us pray with hearts contrite and humble, that we may never exalt ourselves over others, knowing that it is through humbling ourselves, that God will raise us up and seat us with his Son, in glory.
By humility, we disappear, as it were, in order to let our Lord show himself. As John the Baptist said, “He must increase, and I must decrease.” Humility helps us to acknowledge that we are sinners – all of us – and in constant need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Only the humble person confesses his sins; in fact, going to confession is an excellent exercise in humility, in which we point the finger, not at others, but rather at ourselves.
Let us pray with hearts contrite and humble, that we may never exalt ourselves over others, knowing that it is through humbling ourselves, that God will raise us up and seat us with his Son, in glory.
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