Humbling, Yet Saving Moments

First Reading:  Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

For the Lord is a judge who is utterly impartial. He never shows partiality to the detriment of the poor, he listens to the plea of the injured party. He does not ignore the orphan's supplication, nor the widow's as she pours out her complaint. Whoever wholeheartedly serves God will be accepted, his petitions will carry to the clouds. The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds: and until it does, he is not to be consoled, nor will he desist until the Most High takes notice of him, acquits the upright and delivers judgement.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to depart.  I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come for me now is the crown of uprightness which the Lord, the upright judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his appearing. First time I had to present my defence, no one came into court to support me. Every one of them deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it.

But the Lord stood by me and gave me power, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed for all the gentiles to hear; and so I was saved from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from all evil attempts on me, and bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 Gospel:  Luke 18:9-14

He spoke the following parable to some people who prided themselves on being upright and despised everyone else, 'Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood there and said this prayer to himself, "I thank you, God, that I am not grasping, unjust, adulterous like everyone else, and particularly that I am not like this tax collector here. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes on all I get." The tax collector stood some distance away, not daring even to raise his eyes to heaven; but he beat his breast and said, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." This man, I tell you, went home again justified; the other did not. For everyone who raises himself up will be humbled, but anyone who humbles himself will be raised up.'

Reflection 
By Rosalinda Markell

I remember when I left the Philippines 13 long years ago. I left with a heavy heart. I was depressed, I could not bear it anymore. I remember how much disappointment, resentment, and hatred I had in my heart. I hated the world!

I was just like the Pharisee in the Gospel reading today.  Asking the Lord, questioning Him for all my failures and heartaches, asking Him why these things have to happen to me. I have prayed all day, went to mass almost everyday, paying my tithes, helping the needy, and many more and yet, I still suffered.

I just could not understand why all the people I loved and trusted seem to went against me!  Confusing me, making it difficult to know if I am in the right or wrong path. I even came to the point of daring the Lord, (which I know was the worst thing for me to do, and I did regret it after!) that I will turn my back from the profession He gave me, turn my back from everything and start life anew. I asked for any new task, no matter how hard it will be I will not complain, just as long as I get out of the mess I was in!  And believe me, I received what I asked for!

I was given the hardest job. A job that I never thought  I would be doing. I was a care giver of sick old people with dementia and some of them already bedridden. I clean them, feed them, carry them. I was even accidentally or intentionally hit by them, called me you names.  I would walk for 12 blocks from the train station to the place where I worked in the middle of a storm and heavy snow!

Yes, I did cry at night, but  I still did not complain. Through all of these, I felt the Lord was with me all the time, not once did He leave me, and I was always safe!

I learned a great deal in all those trials. God put me to work with these people who are sick to open my eyes. Compared to what the patients are going through, my problem was only a tiny dot.  Seeing and caring for all of them, took away all my hatred. It made me more compassionate, more understanding, more patient and most of all,  more loving. I have more love in my heart and no more hatred!

My dear brothers and sisters, indeed the prayers of the lonely and heart broken pierce the clouds and it does not rest until it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw until God the Most High, responds, judges justly and affirms the right. And the Lord never delays!

Things do happen for a reason, and God has plans for all of us.

Now, I am where I think I really should be until my time comes. I am at peace knowing that all my love ones (children and grandchildren)  are doing quite well and will not need my guidance anymore. I am calmer and ready for my next destination, and that is my true "Home"!

Prayer

My loving Father, Ruler of the World and the Universe, the greatest and the humblest rest their lives in Your hands.

Please help us learn to be humble and not to look down on others.To be more understanding in whatever situation, not to be mean and be a bully. To learn to be more loving and compassionate to others. To pray for peace and harmony for our very troubled world. In our weakness, please speak to us and make us strong again. Most of all, may we learn to always listen and obey you with trust, hope and courage. This we pray in Jesus' Name.  Amen.