Weekend Mass

Dear Beloved Family of St. Anselm,

In the Sunday Gospel, the Lord illustrates through a parable an old saying that goes, “Faults in others I can see, but praise the Lord, there’s none in me.” Let’s look at what the Lord teaches us. 

Prideful Premise– Jesus addressed this parable to those convinced of their righteousness. Scripture says, One cannot redeem himself and pay God a ransom. The price is too high to redeem a life; he would never have enough (Psalm 49:8-9). Only Christ and His righteousness can ever close the gap: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God. We are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should walk in them (Eph 2:8-10). Interestingly, the Lord indicates that the Pharisee "spoke this prayer to himself." Here, we see a prideful premise on the part of the Pharisee, who sees his righteousness as his own and something he has achieved. He is badly mistaken.

Problematic Perspective– Notice that the Pharisee is glad to report that he is not like the rest of humanity. Not only is his remark foolish, it is also impertinent. One will not get to Heaven merely by being a little better than someone else - being better than a tax collector, prostitute, drug dealer, or dishonest businessman is not the standard we must meet. The standard we must meet is Jesus. Jesus said, Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect(Matt 5:48). There’s a lot of talk today about being “basically a nice person,” but being nice isn’t how we get to Heaven. We get to Heaven by being like Jesus. 

Prescribed Practice– The tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast and prayed, "O God, be merciful to me a sinner." Notice that the tax collector in today's parable did three things; we should also do them: Realize your distance – he stood off at a distance. The tax collector realizes that he is a long way from the goal. His recognition of his distance is already a grace and a mercy. God is already granting the humility by which he stands a chance. Recognize your disability – he would not even raise his eyes to Heaven. Scripture says, No one can see God and live (Ex 33:20). In humility, he looks down. His recognition of his disability is already a grace and a mercy. God is already granting him the humility by which he stands a chance. Request your deliverance – he beat his breast and prayed, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Notice that the tax collector’s humility is steeped in hope. He cannot save himself, but God can. In the week ahead, let us beware of pride, our worst enemy. Beg for the gift of humility, for only with it do we even stand a chance.

Amen.