HOMILY OF SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Hosea 6:1-6, Luke 18:9-14.
THEME: DANGER OF RELIGIOUS PRIDE
We must be careful the day we begin to feel that we are better than the way we used to be. Moreover, thinking that we are more righteous than others may also amount to paving the way for our downfall. We are human. And every human is frail safe God’s grace. Hence, comparing ourselves with fellow humans cannot take us any step higher. Judging ourselves by God’s standard, we can steadily progress. This is because, in our ascent toward him, our movement will always be forward or upward. The more we strive to meet God’s expectation, we more we journey towards perfection.
The pharisee, in our today’s’ gospel was busy comparing himself with the tax collector, who came to pray alongside in the temple. He rated himself better than the tax collector. However, the tax collector on the other hand, acknowledged his sinfulness before God and was justified.
Pride is a killer. No man is fit to stand before God. We live by grace. And if grace has taken us so far, we must not take it for granted, thinking that the progress we make in our spiritual life is simply the fruit of self-discipline. God works in us to will and to do.
May humility be our cloak. May arrogance and pride not destroy our place in Christ.
