23 October 2016 - the prayer of the lowly

[ Today's Readings ]

But 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.’

Let us learn to pray with the humility of this tax collector. We are quite often convinced of our own righteousness. We compare ourselves to others and think that we deserve something more than them. We pray, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity -- greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.' But really, the tax collector has it figured out much better than we do. He does not stand before God because of who he is or because of his accomplishments. Instead he comes before God because of who God is. He trusts in his mercy.

The LORD is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.

Aren't the saints his favorites? Aren't they accorded special favors because they're so great? No, it is rather that they take the position of the tax collector. It is rather that they trust in the mercy of God and are absolutely unwilling to rely on themselves.

The one who serves God willingly is heard;
his petition reaches the heavens.
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right,
and the Lord will not delay.

Humility prevents us from being sidetracked. Even when circumstances go poorly and friends desert us we realize that the LORD stands by us. He rescues us. We don't spend so all of our time protesting that the situation is unfair, that we've been so faithful that this shouldn't happen to us, and thereby forget to avail ourselves of God's mercy.

The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. 
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

The LORD hears the cry of the poor. So let us be poor! The LORD is close to the brokenhearted. If we are brokenhearted let us turn to him. If we are crushed in spirit let us trust in him to save us!

The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.