THE WORD THIS WEEKEND

This weekend at Catholic mass you will hear more about prayer and a warning that goes with it.

First, we have a reading from Sirach who tells his readers that prayer is heard by God no matter who does the praying as long as it is done with humbleness. God hears all prayers and answers them in His own time and way.

The second reading comes from Paul's 2nd letter to Timothy.  Paul is in jail and knows that he is about to be killed.  He tells his friend that he is ready to die.  His relationship with God is firm.  He prays that those who deserted him are not punished.

In the Gospel reading from Luke, Jesus tells the story about the Pharisee (teacher of the law) and the tax collector - both praying at the temple.   The Pharisee's prayer was nice but boastful in the end.  The tax collector's prayer was humble - he admitted that he sins and asks for mercy.  Jesus teaches that this prayer is received better by God. 

Pray and live the humble life.  No one likes a bragger, anyway. 

"He who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted." 
♱