With Opened Bible

“The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens.”

There are three categories of people protected by the law of Moses in Israel's society: the widow, the foreigner, and the orphan. (Cf. Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 146:9) The first reading mentions the widow, the orphan, and the weak, who cry out to God because they know He is impartial. "The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites." (Sirach 35:12; Romans 2:11; Deuteronomy 10:17) God's impartiality reveals His mercy, which is offered to all, especially to the humble.

 Speaking of Humility, this Sunday's Gospel challenges us regarding our personal relationship with God. The Pharisee is a pious man who prays, gives alms, fasts, and goes to the temple for sacrifices. He seems perfect in every way. (Cf. Luke 18:11-12) That's humans thinking of religion. It's all about seeing and doing. But Jesus goes further. True religion doesn't consist in "doing" but rather in "being." It's about the inner being. It's about us, each one of us, living out this true religion in our daily lives.

The tax collector, on the other hand, is seen and considered a public sinner (hence his name) because he collaborates with the nation's enemy, the Romans. But he, despite the label of tax collector, remains a humble servant before God. He recognizes himself as a sinner and limited. Hence his strength and exaltation. "for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 11:13) The tax collector or any other believer who humbles himself draws ever closer to Christ Jesus, who humbled himself (despite his divinity and glory) by becoming poor (humble) to be glorified by his Father. (Philippians 2:8-9) The Virgin Mary sang the greatness of Humility in her Song: "He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly." (Luke 1:52) Humility and simplicity are the paths that lead to glory.