10/26/2025 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 18:9-14

9 Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.
10 “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’
14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

10/26/2025 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 18:9-14

In our world today, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. We scroll through social media, see the lives of others, and either envy what they have or feel superior because we think we are doing better. This same tendency can appear even in our spiritual life. Some people measure their goodness by comparing themselves to others, saying, “At least I’m not as bad as that person.” But the truth is, pride in our supposed righteousness separates us from God far more than our imperfections do.

In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we see two people praying in the same place but with completely different hearts. The Pharisee’s words were full of self-praise, listing all his good deeds as if God owed him approval. Meanwhile, the tax collector could not even lift his eyes, aware of his sinfulness and need for mercy. The difference between them wasn’t in their actions but in their attitude. One sought to impress; the other sought to be forgiven.

In modern life, this contrast happens more often than we realize. Imagine two people in church: one sings loudly, dresses neatly, and looks around to see who notices; the other quietly bows his head, whispering a prayer of repentance. Both are in the same place of worship, but only one leaves with a renewed heart. God is not moved by how religious we appear, but by how humble we are before Him.

Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of ourselves; it means recognizing that everything we have is grace. A person may be successful, educated, or talented, but if he forgets that all those blessings come from God, pride slowly replaces gratitude. Like a balloon filled with air, pride inflates the ego until it floats far from reality. But humility keeps us grounded, reminding us that we are all in need of God’s mercy, regardless of our status or achievements.

Think of a student who aces every exam and begins to look down on classmates who struggle. One day, he faces a subject that challenges him, and he fails for the first time. That failure humbles him. Suddenly, he understands that knowledge is not just about intellect; it’s about perseverance, discipline, and the willingness to learn. In the same way, God allows moments of weakness to teach us compassion, so we may never forget that we too are learners in the school of grace.

Humility opens the door to growth. A humble heart listens, learns, and forgives. It doesn’t compete with others but seeks to become better than yesterday. It doesn’t boast about good deeds but allows actions to speak quietly through kindness and generosity. In contrast, pride isolates us. When we exalt ourselves, we close our hearts to correction and our ears to truth. We stop depending on God because we think we’re doing fine on our own. But without God, even the most brilliant plans crumble.

In our time, where recognition and validation are often measured in likes, applause, and attention, humility is a forgotten virtue. Yet, it remains the foundation of true greatness. The most beautiful souls are not those who stand on pedestals but those who kneel in prayer, admitting their need for grace and sharing that grace with others.

At the end of the day, the Pharisee’s prayers echoed in the temple walls, but the tax collector’s prayer reached the heart of God. When we approach life with the same honesty, acknowledging our flaws, asking for mercy, and striving to do better, God lifts us higher than we could ever lift ourselves.

So when you pray, serve, or succeed, let humility lead the way. Because in God’s eyes, greatness is not found in those who boast of perfection, but in those who bow low enough for His love to raise them up.

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