Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
Luke 18:9-14
Prayer is to rise and to descend

Today’s Gospel (Lk 18:9-14) presents the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, illustrating two contrasting attitudes in prayer. The Pharisee, confident in his righteousness, exalts himself by listing his good deeds, seeking validation and placing himself above others. The tax collector, on the other hand, humbly acknowledges his sins and pleads for God’s mercy.

Prayer involves two movements: to rise and to descend. To rise means lifting our hearts towards God, detaching ourselves from self-centeredness and worldly distractions. It is the desire to seek God and present our lives before Him. However, rising to God is only possible when we first descend into the depths of our hearts. This descent calls for sincerity and humility—an honest recognition of our weaknesses and need for God’s mercy.

The tax collector exemplifies this humility, standing at a distance, ashamed yet truthful before God. In his humility, he opens his heart to God’s healing and transforming love. Meanwhile, the Pharisee’s pride blinds him, making his prayer revolve around himself rather than God. Spiritual arrogance leads us to judge others and glorify ourselves, distancing us from God’s grace.

This parable invites us to examine our own hearts. Do we seek praise for our good works, or do we come before God with humility, trusting in His mercy? True prayer begins with a humble heart, acknowledging our sins and surrendering to God’s love. The more we humble ourselves, the more God lifts us up.

Let us look to Mary, the humble servant of the Lord, who teaches us that God exalts the lowly and fills the hearts of those who trust in Him. May we always approach God with humility, knowing that His mercy alone can restore and transform us.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025