Sunday 23 October 2022
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ecclesiasticus 35:12-14, 16-19. The Lord hears the cry of the poor – Psalm 32(33):2-3, 17-19, 23. 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18. Luke 18:9-14.
God sees the intention of the heart
In today’s readings we receive some life lessons and a commentary on how we have lived that life. In Ecclesiasticus, we are reminded to be cheerful whenever we do something for someone else, to give generously so that we will reap divine justice. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we are reminded that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. In a world where showy philanthropy is visible for public approval, God sees the intention of the heart of those whose offering may be modest. This parallels the story of the widow and her mite; she who gave out of the little she had, the Pharisees who creamed a little off the top of their abundance. And how wonderful it would be if at the end of a life well lived, we can say, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’
Email this Print This Page
