Jesus makes known true worship that takes hold of our whole being and admits of no guile at all.  We learn from him to be truly godly. 

Luke tells us from the start that the story of the Pharisee and the publican finds fault with the self-righteous.  These think they are just, godly, and look down on others.

Hence, to be precise, it does not find fault with the Pharisees, though the Pharisee is the villain.  Nor does it praise the publicans, no matter that the publican is the hero.  For both the Pharisees and the publicans may think they are better than others.  And both the Pharisees and the publicans may be lowly, too.  So, yes, there are godly and not godly folks in all groups, social classes, religions, cultures, races.

And, in this respect, it is better not to compare one group, social class, religion, culture or race to another.  For to be lowly and to compare do not mix (TWVDP 59).  So, to compare means to turn into the villain; he does not need God.  Though godly, he denies God, in effect, he does not believe.  But if we have to pray that he repents, we have to pray also, and more, that we repent, too.

Also, it will do us more good to be like the hero.  Most folks take him for a sinner.  For he breaks the law of Moses, cheats and uses others for his gain, and works for the Romans.

But he accepts that he is what others say he is.  That is why he stands far off, as he prays, and does not dare lift his eyes to heaven.  And he strike his chest as he says, “O God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

God, in turn, blots out the sins of the one who repents and shows he needs him.  So, the one who is not godly has faith in God.

Lord Jesus, grant us who are not godly to have faith in you and to give true worship to the Father.  And to admit that, apart from you, human efforts just spoil things (SV.EN XI:310-311).  Work, then, with and in us.  And see to it that our cry pierces the clouds and that we get to give glory and thanks to God always.  For he alone is the source of all that is good (SV.EN VII:305).  Of the Eucharist, of course, the sacrament of charity and justice that commits us to the love and care of those who are poor (DT 41).

26 October 2025
30th Sunday in O.T. (C)
Sir 35, 12-14. 16-18; 2 Tim 4, 6-8. 16-18; Lk 18, 9-14