Mar
30
2019
By Anonymous (not verified)
The Marian Fathers present this Lenten devotional series to help you prepare to receive graces on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Readings: Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21AB; Lk 18:9-14
Diary: 1231, 1718, 1746
"Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled." - Lk 18:14
Although the crude comedy "This Is the End" received mediocre reviews, it does have a notable laugh-out-loud moment. Throughout the film, a group of actors parodying themselves regularly tout their credits to one another. Among them, Jonah Hill has a scene in which he prays to survive a global calamity. He folds his hands and says, "Dear God, it's me, Jonah Hill ... from 'Moneyball.'"
Obviously, Jonah's character hasn't developed a relationship with the Almighty. Does he think that God will be impressed with his credentials?
The Pharisee in today's reading does something similar. All of his credentials are real. He tithes; he fasts; he regularly goes to the Temple. But look at how he prays. He looks up to Heaven and thanks God for how great he is compared to others.
By extension, the favorability wears off of Jesus' listeners, "who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else" (Lk 18:9). A little humility would have kept them from being absurd.
Prayer: O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
Readings: Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21AB; Lk 18:9-14
Diary: 1231, 1718, 1746
"Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled." - Lk 18:14
Although the crude comedy "This Is the End" received mediocre reviews, it does have a notable laugh-out-loud moment. Throughout the film, a group of actors parodying themselves regularly tout their credits to one another. Among them, Jonah Hill has a scene in which he prays to survive a global calamity. He folds his hands and says, "Dear God, it's me, Jonah Hill ... from 'Moneyball.'"
Obviously, Jonah's character hasn't developed a relationship with the Almighty. Does he think that God will be impressed with his credentials?
The Pharisee in today's reading does something similar. All of his credentials are real. He tithes; he fasts; he regularly goes to the Temple. But look at how he prays. He looks up to Heaven and thanks God for how great he is compared to others.
By extension, the favorability wears off of Jesus' listeners, "who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else" (Lk 18:9). A little humility would have kept them from being absurd.
Prayer: O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
ddburg
