By Vimal Kumar, CSC –
Readings: Hos 6: 1-6; Lk 18: 9-14
Today’s readings invite us to meditate on the theme of humility and profound realization of the truth. The two groups in the Gospel, Pharisees and Tax collectors, are very much relevant for our contemporary life. As a Pharisee, we are quite impressed with our accomplishments, undertakings, achievements, boosting oneself for publicity and limelight. We shun the others with our pride and ego, not acknowledging the reality of our weakness and unworthiness. The attitude of humility which the tax collector had before the Lord, is the acknowledgment of reality; he humbled and surrendered himself completely, seeking mercy for his sins.
Acknowledgment of sin is the first criterion for reconciliation. Let us place ourselves in the context of Gospel and introspect: are we living in profound realization of our truth? Are we so much concerned about our self-image and publicity? In the first reading, as prophet Hosea emphasizes that we must rise and return to the Lord in acknowledging our unworthiness to revive our life in light of the truth.
Our conscience is the prime means of revealing the reality; the more we hide from reality, the more we lose our conscience. During this season of Lent, let us submit ourselves with humility at feet of the Lord and pray, ‘Lord I am an unworthy sinner, have mercy on me; from your abundant mercy cleanse me and help me to open my heart with humility to acknowledge my weakness and realize the truth about myself.’