Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 26th October 2025
Dear brothers and sisters,
Today’s Gospel presents us with two people who come to pray: a Pharisee and a tax collector. Both enter the temple, but only one goes home justified, that is, at peace with God. Why? Because one speaks proudly about himself, while the other speaks truthfully about his need for mercy.
The first reading from the Book of Sirach tells us a great truth that runs through all of Scripture: “The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds.” God shows no favouritism. He doesn’t look at our clothes, our positions, or our titles – He looks at the heart.
The Pharisee prays, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men…” putting himself at the centre of his prayer. The tax collector, on the other hand, cannot even raise his eyes to heaven. He beats his chest and says: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” That short prayer is like a sigh of the soul – and God hears it. Because it comes from a sincere and broken heart.
It is said that in a city, a priest was once called to visit an old woman in the hospital. When he arrived, he found her alone, weary, yet with a strange peace in her eyes. He asked gently: “Can I help you with something? Would you like to go to confession?” The woman smiled faintly and said: “Father, it’s been so many years since I’ve had the courage to go back to church. I’ve done many wrong things… things I’m ashamed of. But do you know what I do every night before I fall asleep? I just say: ‘Lord, if there’s still room for a soul like mine, please take me too.’” The priest was silent for a moment. Then he said: “My daughter, God has been waiting just to hear those words. He doesn’t look at your past, but at the tear you shed now. That simple prayer is worth more than many words.”
That woman, like the tax collector in the Gospel, had no great deeds to show, no arguments to defend herself. But she had a sincere heart – and God never rejects a contrite heart.