The 30th Sunday of the Year Eccl 35:12-14 & 16-19; 2 Tim 4: 6-8 & 16-18; Lk 18:9-14 (year c)
‘The man who with his whole heart serves God will be accepted, his petitions will be accepted. The humble man’s prayer pierces the clouds.” The ancient wisdom of Ecclesiasticus described humility as the foundation of prayer. Such humility was contrasted with the hidden pride that can hinder both our relationship with God and our relationships with each other.
We make countless judgments every day, but should avoid the tendency to categorise others as worthy or less worthy of our love and attention. Such judgments frequently hide the presumption that we ourselves, in comparison, are more worthy of attention. At the very least, in the presence of a Lord who shows no respect of personages to the detriment of a poor man, we should hesitate.
