9 March 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

First Reading: Hosea 6: 1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab
Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 95: 8
Gospel: Luke 18: 9-14

Scripture warns us that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6; Prov. 3:34). Jesus paints a vivid story of two men at prayer. What's the point or lesson He wants us to learn?  Jesus warns us about the danger of despising others.  Contempt is more than being mean-minded.  It springs from the assumption that one is qualified to sit in the seat of judgment and to ascertain who is good and just.  Jesus' story caused offense for those who regarded "tax collectors" as unworthy of God's grace and favor.  How could Jesus put down a "religious leader" and raise up a "public sinner"?  Jesus' parable speaks about the nature of prayer and our relationship with God.  It does this by contrasting two very different attitudes towards prayer.

This narrative presents both an opportunity and a warning. Pride leads to illusion and self- deception. Humility helps us to see ourselves as we really are and it inclines us to God's grace and mercy.  God dwells with the humble of heart who recognize their own sinfulness and who acknowledge God's mercy and saving grace.   God cannot hear us if we despise others. Do we humbly seek God's mercy and you show mercy to others?

This is the 1412th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Solphie Confiado as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may