Daily Gospel Reflection for March 26, 2022

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Today's Gospel passage makes me uncomfortable. Am I like the Pharisee, so self-righteous, so filled with pride that I'm not only oblivious to my own failings but, even worse, banking my salvation on sins I've avoided or good deeds that I've done? I hope not, but I suspect, at times, I am.

Shouldn't the Pharisee be trembling because to whom much is given, much is expected? Shouldn't he realize that nothing good he has done or bad he has failed to do is because of his own merit but because of God at work in him? Do I, too, trust too much in myself? What a tragedy that a persistent lack of humility could prevent me from partaking of God's free, endless, and unfathomable mercy.

I've found that pride is a subtle sin, creeping in wherever it can gain an inch - in a dismissive thought about one person or the objectification of another. Only humility, as difficult to cultivate as pride is to root out, is an antidote.

I've adopted the prayer of the tax collector as my own, a prayer often called The Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." That and repetition of The Litany of Humility help to remind me of my great need of God's mercy.

Ponder:

Has pride crept into my heart, convincing me I have no need of God's mercy? What can I do to grow in humility?

Pray:

Lord, help me to see clearly my own faults, weaknesses, and great need for your boundless mercy.

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What a tragedy that a persistent lack of humility could prevent me from partaking of God's free, endless, and unfathomable mercy. #dailygospel

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