The readings this Sunday speak of justification. God will listen to and reward those who are lowly and humble and present their needs and petitions to the God who is their strength. The first reading from Sirach explains that the prayer of the lowly person pierces the clouds and will not withdraw until God, the Most High, responds. This prayer is heard because of the sincerity and complete trust of the lowly who look above with love at the God of justice. This person trusts in the power of his prayer. St. Paul exclaims that the Lord God has given him all the strength he needs, and he trusts that he will be delivered from the evil threats around him. Again, Paul shows complete faith and trust in his God, who does not fail. The Gospel shows that a tax collector was more in tune with the mercy of God than the Pharisee who claimed to know everything. The sincere prayer and acknowledgment of the need for God’s mercy made the tax collector justified in the sight of an almighty and provident God. We might ask ourselves this Sunday and in the week ahead: Do I trust in the overpowering mercy of my God, who sees my every need and will allow my prayer to pierce the clouds until it is answered? Let us stand in the presence of God with petition, gratitude, and contrition, and know that we are in the clear sight of our Father in Heaven every minute of every day!
Sister Diane Marie Corrado, CSFN
