Lenten Reflection Day 26 ~ Thursday Fourth Week of Lent

Opening Prayers:

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Confiteor (see Day 1).

Scripture Reading (Luke 18:13–14):

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner. I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather than the other: because everyone that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Reflection:

The parable of the Pharisee and the publican is a lesson on true humility in prayer. Our Lord sharply contrasts two men who went up to the temple: one outwardly righteous, proud of his fasting and tithes; the other, a despised tax collector, who barely dared to pray. Yet it was the second man, the sinner who begged for mercy, whom God justified.

Lent challenges us to be the publican, not the Pharisee. The temptation is strong to compare ourselves to others, to feel superior because of external observance, or to think we’ve “done enough.” But Jesus shows that it is not our merits, but our contrition that wins God’s favor. As St. Augustine said, “God prefers humility in the faults of men to pride in their virtues.”

The publican’s simple prayer, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner” - has been treasured by saints and monks through the centuries. In the Eastern Church, it forms the heart of the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This short invocation, repeated with sincerity, can be a powerful tool in cultivating humility.

Notice also the physical gesture of the publican: he struck his breast. This sign of compunction is echoed at Mass when we pray “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” Lent invites us to renew this gesture with meaning - not as habit, but as heartfelt repentance.

The conclusion of the parable contains a powerful truth: “he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” God does not despise the humble; He lifts them up. The lower we go in repentance, the more grace can be poured in. As St. Thérèse of Lisieux put it, “The elevator to God is humility.”

Spend time in prayer today simply acknowledging your need for God. Repeat the prayer of the publican - “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner” slowly and often.

Also, take one small hidden act of humility: apologize sincerely, ask forgiveness, or let someone else go first.

Saintly Insight:

St. Teresa of Avila warned, “Self-knowledge is so important that even if you were raised to the heavens, I would advise you never to relax your self-awareness. Without humility, everything collapses.”

True humility is not self-loathing but clarity - seeing ourselves as we are, sinners in need of grace, yet loved by God.

Closing Prayers:

V: O Lord, hear my prayer.

R: And let my cry come unto Thee.

V: Let us bless the Lord.

R: Thanks be to God.

V: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R: Amen.