Proper 25: Sunday closest to October 26—Year C
Welcome to our parish. The gospel reading in the liturgy today has to do with our approach to God in prayer. It is not the proud Pharisee’s bragging prayer but the humble confession of the sinner which brings God’s response.
We continue to read through the prophets, which we began doing in June. Now we hear from Joel, who lived well after the time of Jeremiah. Joel rejoices in God’s goodness and the blessings the Lord has given them. He says that in the days to come God will also pour out the Spirit upon the people and all who call on God will be saved.
The second reading is presented as Paul’s final words to Timothy when Paul was in prison and facing his imminent death. That approaching martyrdom finds Paul confident in the good he has done, but, like the tax collector, he is aware of his total dependence upon God.
We, the community of faith, are put into right relationship with God not because of our success being good, but because we place our whole trust and confidence in God. We strive to give up all and follow Jesus not in order to earn God’s favor, but as our response to the unswerving love God has for us.
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.