Simple Sorry

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
28 October 2007


First reading: Ecclesiasticus 35:15 - 22
The Lord shows no respect of personages to the detriment of a poor man,
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 story.
The man who with his whole heart serves God will be accepted,
his petitions will carry to the clouds.
The humble man’s prayer pierces the clouds,
until it arrives he is inconsolable,
And the Lord will not be slow,
nor will he be dilatory on their behalf.

Second reading: 2 Timothy 4:6 - 18
As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to be gone. 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 now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his Appearing.

The first time I had to present my defence, there was not a single witness 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 whole message might be proclaimed for all the pagans to hear; and so I was rescued 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 for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel: Luke 18:9 - 14
Jesus spoke the following parable to some people who prided themselves on being virtuous 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 the rest of mankind, 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 at rights with God; the other did not. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’


Reflection
By Elizabeth R Eguia

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” The Gospel today speaks about humility. It focuses on two opposite areas: faultfinding and sincere admission on one’s mistakes.

It is easy to find faults in others. Most of the times we compare ourselves with them; that we are better than them. This could be a normal reaction at times especially in business aspects when we know the right thing and others are not doing it. But at times, when we lift ourselves up as if we are perfect individuals compared to others is something we have to reflect upon.

To sincerely admit a mistake is not an easy thing to do. It takes a lot of courage and humility to do it. A simple “sorry” is even hard to say. Others will even comment, “I didn’t start it, why should I do the first move”? I once recalled something happened 5 years ago. One memorable incident happened in the office. Part of our job was to accept collections remitted by clients through their agents. One day, the secretary approached us and inquired how come this client’s policy lapsed when payment had been remitted. So we traced back what happened and found that I received the payment but then it was not registered in the collections. I panicked and don’t know what to do. I informed my supervisor and colleagues. Still we don’t know what happened. I said to myself, my name is at stake, but I know I never have done anything wrong. It made matters worst because we tried to “fix” it but still it didn’t work out. The boss next in line learned about it. We changed the story making me admit that it was misplaced and was remitted on other dates. But the truth was that collection was not really found. I was so disturbed at that time. I felt betrayed, crushed to the ground. I felt I was alone. It took sometime to heal. What drives me to a complete healing was a confession. It was one of the memorable confessions I did. I was crying so hard telling the priest what I felt inside. It was not easy for me to do, but I have no choice than to release what is inside my heart. When I was doing it, I felt God at my side listening to my plea, listening intently and forgiving me. And when absolution came, I felt I was completely cleansed. Today, when I remember it, I just smiled. I will not be here at this stage of my life without that happening to me. And I thank God for that. I thank Him for the complete healing. I thank Him for making me experience it and overcome it. Truly, He is an amazing God.

We give You glory and honor, dear God. We thank You for this message. Continue to remind us of our faults especially when we are proud and arrogant. Help us to realize our mistakes. Lead us back to You, sincerely admitting and asking for Your forgiveness. Everything we lift up to You for Your greater glory and honor. Amen.