SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS ON THE GOSPEL OF THE THIRTIETH SUNDAY

History has recorded it, the people were conscious of it, they (the Pharisee and the Publican) knew it, … yet the reactions of their particular behaviour offers a great contrast, a contrast which cannot go unnoticed. Mind you, Jesus was a Super Teacher.

The Publican knew that being in the service of the Romans, meant a lot; he knew that he was despised by his brothers, the Jews; he knew that it was customary to cheat on his brothers, as much as possible; he knew that he was considered by one and all to be a sinner; he knew that the term ‘tax-collector’ had many negative connotations. He knew all this, he realized that not all was well with his soul in front of God.

Because he knew all this, he had the courage to go to the Temple, but he did not have the courage to go close to the Presence in the Temple, he stayed close to the entrance (as recorded in the Gospel). He admitted his guilts, he confessed his misgivings … and all this whilst kneeling down, head bowed in submission, in humility and, we might say, in adoration.

We have here a wonderful example of a true Christian repentance and faith., a excellent masterpiece of high spiritual wisdom or theology. He has become a new man, he has converted.

The Pharisee’s behavior and reaction were so much different. He went straight to the front … where he could be seen by all, trailing his long expensive dress and train behind him. He prayed in a loud voice. Well, as long as he prayed we can never condemn him, but accusations and making comparisons with the life of others is not prayer.

That was the main trouble with the Pharisees; they followed the literal word of the Law, but not the spirit. For example we know that they were supposed to fast once a week, but they used to fast two days a week… what is more interesting is the choice of those two days; they fasted on Mondays and Thursdays, because these were the market days; ergo there will be many people. They had a good occasion to whiten their face, to walk in a dizzy sort of way, shouting out prayers as the walked, they would close their eyes when they saw a maiden or a woman coming their way, lest they sin if they look at her closely. Very often they would hurt their face hitting a wall, a pole or anything in the way … and the more blood they had on their face, the more devout they felt.

Yes, Jesus was a Master Teacher, He brought about a very good example fom which we can learn. He wanted to point out the difference between genuine repentance, conversion and faith … and playing the fool with God. They used to overlook the fact that God can always see ‘through’ our thoughts and actions.

But, the Pharisees STILL exist, and so do the Publicans. Let us examine our conscience; have I ever been a Pharisee, in my thoughts and actions? When was it, the last time I behaved like a Pharisee? Is there any chance of behaving like a Publican, in total submission and humility? Let each and every one of us answer these questions in front of Christ Crucified … and then wait for Christ’s reaction to our answers.