Daily Gospel Reflection for October 27, 2019 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel: Luke 18:9-14 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time “…for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 18:14 I am not sure I like thinking of myself as a sinner. But I am. Sometimes I am pretty honest about my real me. Sometimes not. But I know God knows all. Several years ago I went through a prolonged time of depression. There seemed to be no reason for it, but there it was. And I could not climb my way out of it. I told my spiritual director about it and he told me to say “Jesus, have mercy” over and over, all day every day. He grew silent for a moment and then said, “No, just repeat 'Jesus' over and over. Make it your mantra." And I did. Any time I was alone, praying or walking or eating or going to sleep or going to work, I repeated Jesus over and over in my mind. It became such a habit, I no longer needed to remind myself. His name became the first thought on my mind, whenever I was alone or it was quiet. Eventually the depression faded away. And in its place, I found a new way of praying. And a stronger faith in Jesus’ presence and love in my life. Unfortunately, the prayer practice of repeating Jesus’ name faded away. Not from my memory, just from practice. I miss it. And whenever I read or hear this gospel reading, I am reminded. And every time I might feel a little depressed, I am reminded. I am a sinner. And Jesus loves me. And I pray Jesus’ name over and over. And I am humbled.