Lectio
Read the passage carefully and attentively.
Passage: “To some who trusted in themselves as just and despised others, Jesus spoke this parable: Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner. I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (St. Luke 18:9-14)
Meditatio
Reflect deeply on the passage, considering its meaning and implications.
- Two Approaches to Prayer: Meditate on the contrasting attitudes of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisee’s prayer is self-righteous and prideful, focusing on his own virtues and looking down on others. The publican’s prayer is humble and penitent, acknowledging his sinfulness and seeking Yahweh’s mercy.
- Self-Exaltation vs. Humility: Meditate on the danger of trusting in one’s own righteousness and despising others. Reflect on the truth that self-exaltation leads to being humbled, while true humility leads to exaltation by God.
- Justification before God: Meditate on the fact that the publican, despite his sins, went home justified because of his humble and repentant heart. Contrast this with the Pharisee, who, despite his outward religious observance, was not justified due to his pride.
- Personal Examination: Reflect on your own approach to prayer and your attitude towards others. Are there areas where you might be trusting in your own righteousness or looking down on others? Consider the importance of approaching God with humility and repentance.
Oratio
Respond to the passage with a heartfelt prayer.
Lord Jesus Christ, I give Thee thanks for the lessons of humility and repentance found in this parable. Help me to see my own sinfulness and to approach Thy throne with a humble heart, seeking Thy mercy. Guard me against pride and self-righteousness, and teach me to see others with compassion and humility. May my prayers be sincere, acknowledging my need for Thy grace and forgiveness. Amen.
Contemplatio
Spend time in silent contemplation, allowing the message to resonate deeply within you.
Think of yourself in the Temple alongside the Pharisee and the publican. Feel the weight of the publican’s humility and the Pharisee’s pride. Contemplate the mercy and grace of God that justifies the humble and repentant heart. Let this awareness deepen your own sense of humility and dependence on God’s mercy.
Actio
Determine a concrete action to take in response to the insights gained from the passage.
- Practice Humility: Consciously adopt a humble attitude in your daily interactions, especially in your prayers and spiritual practices.
- Avoid Judging Others: Be mindful of any tendency to look down on others or to consider yourself more righteous. Strive to see others with compassion and understanding.
- Seek God’s Mercy: Regularly acknowledge your own sinfulness and need for God’s mercy, making frequent acts of contrition and seeking reconciliation through the Sacrament of Confession.
