October 26,2025 ・30th Sunday in Ordinary Time ( C )

Sirach 35.12-14,16-19・Psalm・ 2 Timothy 4.6-8,16-18・Luke 18.9-14

Today we will try to understand the meaning of true humility in the context of our readings today. True humility becomes (is) a passage towards understanding how God who is just and impartial (not biased) ensures that our prayers are answered and so justice is well served.

Jesus in our gospel reading today, teaches us genuine humility against self-righteousness

At the onset of our reflection, may we be able to distinguish the difference between self-righteousness and confidence in God’s mercy and love (having a God who empowers and assures the fruits of fidelity to His Word). We have a parable contrasting a Pharisee and a repentant tax collector. The character of the Pharisee represented the character of those who are convinced of their own self-righteousness. Moreover, they were even able to despise others just to exalt themselves and their self-righteousness. It was how they prayed to receive God's favor for themselves.  The tax collector however, with “true humility” beat his breast and prayed so that God will be merciful to him, a sinner. The point is about “true humility” which is founded in the confidence in God's love and mercy, God is never biased and He especially listens to the cries of the oppressed and the humble, In our second reading from the second epistle to Timothy, a letter traditionally attributed to Apostle Paul, he (the Apostle Paul to Timothy) is thankful to God who empowers him to spread His Word. He has a clear understanding that God stood by him and gave him strength. And he remained faithful. He is confident that those who remained faithful will be brought safe to the heavenly kingdom.