Gospel Reflections for October 27 2019
That first look in the mirror
You get up in the morning, and soon see your face in the bathroom mirror. What is that like?
You are without your work clothes, or makeup, or even barely awake. Like most of us, that is all the motivation you might need to quickly get yourself ready!
The Tax Collector in today’s Gospel presents himself to God exactly as he is. He has no desire to cover anything up or pretend he is someone he is not. The Pharisee is different. He presents a false picture of himself to God, inflating his accomplishments and exaggerating his virtues.
These two people represent the difference between good and bad mental health. Knowing who you actually are is the sign of good mental health. Pretending to be someone you are not is a prescription for problems, conflicts, and relationships that end badly.
The early followers of Jesus knew this well. They knew Our Lord desired honesty about ourselves no matter what that might reveal. They decided to add an exercise of self-reflection at the beginning of every Mass which they celebrated every day. It is called the Penitential Rite.
Every Mass begins with an invitation from the priest to “call to mind our sins.” That is not meant to be a negative experience, but rather an exercise in good healthy self-appraisal.
The priest’s words are formal but, in effect say, “Before we continue with the scriptures and the Eucharist, let us present ourselves to God honestly, and as we actually are.” God looks down from heaven and says in response, “I already knew all that about you, but now I am glad you know it too! Now we can continue an honest conversation at this mass.”
The early Church decided that we would do this while standing. We do not kneel in submission or stand on tip toes pretending to be taller. We stand …at our own true height before God …just as we truly are.
We will never be perfect, but we can always be honest. His unconditional love provides the courage you need to express your true self before Him.
You are surrounded by all kinds of people …at work, at school, at home, and even across our nation. Some may be honest and some not. However, despite their behavior, every Mass invites you to hold up a mirror in which you can see your own self as you truly are.
That is a very healthy thing to do!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Yes. To paraphrase the words of the great poet Robert Burns, ‘If only God had given us the power to see ourselves as others see us!” Well, maybe He has: in the sacrament of penance.
Yes, what a great resource for a healthy soul!
Great thoughts once again. Thanks for helping us see.
You are welcome!
Dear Father Dave,
As i contemplate on the Holy Cross and the Word you have helped us to understand God’s teaching today, an insight comes to mind:
Understanding Ignorance, or dependent of origination, is the acceptance of reality and thus, a freedom from all sufferings.
Yes, recognizing reality is the beginning of wisdom.
We are nothingness in the eyes of God. Ashes to ashes…dust to dust.
You are always in my prayers.
Thank you Father.
You are welcome! Thank you for your prayers too!
“Love your visual, Fr. Dave. “It’s who we are!
Knowing who we are, and as we are before God is the best way to present ourselves
to Him. We can’t be something we are not in God”s eyes!
Dependence on Him keeps us humble when we connect with our inner self
and stay in touch with the One is the greatest of all.
Well said!
I have two sisters who are well off. One said to me recently that her daughter is devorced and she is too good for him. I pray for my sister to have a relationship with Our Lord. I have learned the hard way not to judge and when I see a homeless person I try to communicate with them as I do know where they came from. There are so many out there with a history that is unbelievable and we can learn a lot from them. Jesus loves them so much.
I think I am happy right where I am at and want to serve Him the best I can just where I am.
I love that scripture in Sirach which reminds me that God is always there for me and will give me what I need and I need not push for more
Very well said!
I like some other women have one of these mirrors that is 10 X ‘s larger than the regular mirrors. It is very real to see your imperfections so plainly. It helps me to think that God’s unconditional love for me is greater than anything I can even imagine. It also keeps me humble to look at myself clearly.
I am grateful for the penitential rite at mass as I try to do an evaluation of Conscience at the end of each day.
Yes, a very good practice to do at the end of each day!
Thanks … I needed to “see” this reflection today.
As do we all!