Luke 18,9-14

March 18, 2023 (Saturday)
Let us all remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Luke 18,9-14
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others
with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The
Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves,
rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But
the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying,
‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other;
for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Reflection:
Prayer is necessary. But the question is what motivates one to pray. The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican indicate precisely the inner disposition people need to have while praying to God. The Pharisee recites a litany of good deeds he performs and proudly states the reason for his observance of religiosity and good deeds: to justify himself in the eyes of the public as well as in the eyes of God (Verse 9). He, in singing his personal religious achievements makes God his beneficiary. His over confidence reaches the climax by putting himself far above ‘that tax-collector.’ Unlike the Pharisee, the Publican knew his sinfulness. He pleads for mercy and demonstrates his need for God. By confessing his sinful life, the Publican is justified in God’s eyes, while the Pharisee by his boastful proclamation does not succeed in reaching a righteous status in the eyes of God. Apparently being justified is not a consequence of bragging one’s good deeds: avoiding evil or pursuing the good by observance of religious practices. Prayer is not meant to justify, but to seek God’s presence in one’s life. This in turn makes one to be humble in accepting one’s sinfulness and unworthiness before God. God bestows mental peace and spiritual tranquility on such souls. Jesus declared that the Publican ‘went down to his house justified.’ “Prayer is first of all a gift the Brothers receive from the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. For their part, the Brothers welcome it in all the events of their daily life in a way that it inspires a response in the form of praise or thanksgiving, intercession or asking for forgiveness. They never tire of saying “Lord teach us to pray.” (THE RULE Art:66).

Lasallian Guiding Principle:
LGP states that, “Lasallian institutions must strive to develop among its members greater recognition of the realities of human suffering and the stewardship role that each share in preserving the integrity of God’s creation and creating a humane and just society.” In connection to the gospel, we should have faith to him with all of our hearts and not by the reason that we need something from him. Saint John Baptist de La Salle was very dedicated and faithful to him no matter what happens that’s why God heard all of his intentions and made him an instrument to tell each and every one of us to always have faith and trust Him in every way. As Lasallians, we should always trust God’s plan as He always hears our prayers. Though it may not happen today, take a little patience and a whole lot of faith because God’s perfect timing is always worth the wait.

Prayer:
Synod on Synodality Prayer

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, Make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.

St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources:
C. (n.d.). Daily Gospel. Retrieved June 22, 2020, from https://dailygospel.org/M/AM/DLSU ITS, DLSU STRATCOM, DLSU IRPA. (n.d.). Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family.
Retrieved June 22, 2020, from http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/inside/lasallian-guiding-principles/default.asp

Prepared by Pratik, Sati D., College of Humanities and Sciences- BS Biochemistry Student, through the DLSMHSI Lasallian Mission and Linkages and Advancement, Campus Ministry, and Chaplaincy

Our Daily Lasallian Gospel, Prayer and Reflection is a DLSMHSI gift to the Lasallian family for the 2019 Celebration of the Year of Vocation and the Tercentenary celebration of the death of our founder SJBDLS.
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https://www.dlshsi.edu.ph/daily-lasallian-reflection-prayer #300LaSalle