30th Sunday Ordinary Time

Readings: 1st Sirac 35:12-14.16-19,2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-19, Lk 18:9-14

In the first reading Sirac exalts us on the justice of God towards the poor, orphans, widows, and the  weak of our society.  We are called to be like God the just judge who acquits the virtuous by delivering just judgement. Also, Sirac assures us that in as Much as we are humble, prayerful and persevere in doing go, God will surely be there to vindicate us .

In the Second reading Paul, having played his part perfectly well, now confidently awaits google judgment from the just judge. He boldly asserts himself: “I have fought the good fight to the end, I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me.

There’s only one thing that can give one such a confidence. This is, a life well lived in humility, and the fear of God. If we are already living a good and humble life we must not stop. Rather, we must struggle to the end and to finish line. When Paul was yet to accomplish the race, he wrote: “I do not claim that I have already arrived…I move on towards goal to win the prize “.

In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us, that judgement belongs to “God who searches what searches the mind.  “He is the one who knows all our intentions and actions. So, it is not for us to judge others because at times, human judgement can be biased. What transpired between the publican and the tax collector is typical of the scenario we see us everyday.

Self-righteous people often judge people wrongly because of their own weakness of mind and ignorance of how Gos operates. Such people look at themselves as the role model that others must imitate, or as if they are the only ones. They always wear the “holier than thou attitude.” So, they are quick to condemn others. However, God judges differently.