Grateful for God’s Mercy

The Gospel for this Sunday, the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, makes it very clear that exalting oneself is no way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, it might seem strange to hear Paul say that he competed well, finished the race, and now awaits the deserved crown. So, how does he differ from the Pharisee in the Gospel? 

The Pharisee was probably being honest with himself. Sure, he fasts and tithes; he’s not greedy or adulterous, but he misses the point. He believes that being right with God comes from a person’s accomplishments. He doesn’t feel the need to ask for God’s mercy. However, if he trusted in that mercy, he wouldn’t boast about his good works. Instead, he would ask for God’s mercy and then thank Him by doing good or being generous. In other words, he put the cart before the horse. He believes that God waits to be bribed with good works (or at least a lack of bad works) to justify Himself. 

Saint Paul, on the other hand, analyzes his life as a Pharisee and is amazed that God has forgiven him for his good works of keeping the law and persecuting Christians. He is so grateful for God’s mercy that he longs to tell everyone about Jesus and how much he loves us. His boasting is not focused on what he has done for God, but rather on what God has done through him. He gives credit to God, who gives him the strength to preach the Good News. 

It would be good to reflect on the things God has done in your life: the people He sent to love you, the talents or abilities He gave you, the times He forgave your sins. And ask yourself: am I grateful for what God has done, and do I want to do more for God? Or, do I go to church, give an offering in the collection, or work in a parish ministry so that God will be grateful to me? It seems obvious to say it this way, but it’s tempting to think that God loves us more when we do good. I invite you to remember that God loved Saint Paul while he was still persecuting Christians; He loved him enough, not only to forgive him, but also to make him a great apostle. Why waste time trying to earn God’s love when we could be doing what we can to thank God for it?

May the Lord always give you his peace.

Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM
Pastor, Mission San Luis Rey Parish