SAINT FRANCES OF ROME, RELIGIOUS (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

The tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven.

It’s ironic, isn’t it? The tax collector in this parable, the man who kept his distance and wouldn’t even raise his eyes to heaven, connected with God far more deeply than the Pharisee did.

This tax collector, keenly aware of his sinfulness, focused his attention and his faith on God. He knew he was a sinner in need of grace, but that’s not where he directed his eyes. That’s because he was also keenly aware of who God is and what he dared hope to receive from God. Although he had done nothing to deserve forgiveness, he didn’t hesitate to look to God and ask for it (Luke 18:13).

By contrast, the Pharisee—although he was expressing thanks to God and busying himself with holy activities—was praying “to himself” rather than to God (Luke 18:11). He may have raised his eyes, but he was not looking at the Lord. Instead, he proudly listed his own accomplishments in the assurance that they entitled him to good standing with God. But to no avail. He did not go home justified (18:14).

When we come to pray, Jesus wants us neither to brag about our efforts and achievements nor to wallow in our failures and shortcomings. Both attitudes fix our attention on ourselves rather than on God, the One we approach in prayer. Instead, like that tax collector, we can simply acknowledge our sins and our profound need for God’s mercy and then move forward confidently, counting on his grace.

When you pray today, make sure you focus your attention on God rather than on yourself. It might help if you start off with some short declarations about him. Today’s responsorial psalm gives you a few to begin with: You, Lord, are merciful (51:3). You are compassionate (51:3). You are bountiful (51:20). You are kind (51:20). With your gaze fixed on the Lord, your prayer will always be on the right footing!

“O God, thank you for your amazing love and mercy.”

Hosea 6:1-6
Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21
Luke 18:9-14