Gospel for October 23 2022 – Luke 18:9-14
Gospel Reflections for October 23 2022
That first look in the mirror
You get up in the morning, and then see your face in the bathroom mirror. What is that like?
You are without your work clothes, or makeup, or even much awake. Like most of us, that is all the motivation you need to get yourself ready!
The Tax Collector in today’s Gospel presents himself to God exactly as he is, warts and all. He does 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 men reveal the difference between good and bad mental health. Knowing who we truthfully are, is the mark of good mental health. Pretending to be someone we are not is a prescription for problems, conflicts, and relationships that quickly go south.
The early followers of Jesus knew this well. They knew Our Lord wanted honesty about ourselves no matter what. They decided to add an exercise of self-reflection at the beginning of every Mass, which they celebrated every day, called the Penitential Rite.
Every Mass begins with the priest inviting you “call to mind your sins.” That is not a negative experience, but rather an exercise in healthy and honest self-appraisal.
The priest’s words are formal but, in effect, say, “Before we hear the scriptures and receive the Eucharist, let us present ourselves to God as we honestly are.” God looks down from heaven and says in response, “I already know all about you, but now I am glad you know it too! Now we can continue an honest relationship at this mass.”
The early Church decided that we would acknowledge our true self while standing. We do not kneel in submission or stand on tip toes to seem taller. We stand …at our own true height before God …just as we are.
We will never be perfect, but we can always be honest. His unconditional love provides the courage we need to do just that.
We are surrounded by all kinds of people …at work, at school, at home, and even in our nation. Some may be honest and some not. However, despite their behavior, every Mass invites us to hold up a mirror in which we can see our own self as we truly are. That is a very healthy thing to do!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
A favorite Gospel reminding us of Reality. That look in the mirror every morning as we waken to a new day is at times shocking. Tells me I am aging and my hair needs combing. The reality of where and what we are in Gods plan becomes more evident each day.
The Tax Collector knows who and what he is.
With his example of Humility we can view our image more clearly and and become more Spiritually centered.
Thanks Father for these reflections.
He does cover anything up or pretend he is someone he is not.
I believe this should read He does not cover anything……
Dear father Dave,
It’s interesting that this reflection comes so close to Halloween when people wear masks and costumes to look like whatever they are not!
Good bless you.
Kathleen
We always want to have God see us as we are.
Trust in him gives us a beautiful reflection in the mirror.
When do you go to Holyland?
We want to pray for your trip & pilgrims
Yours in Christ,
Jane
Father Dave, I love the saying ” Do something beautiful for someone every day for it only takes you a minute and for the receiver it will last a lifetime!!! When one wakes up in the morning and in the day they do a beautiful act of love, their heart will shine beautifully!!! Loveeee it and love you!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca
Being honest with ourselves, with others and with the Lord will always have
the best outcome!
Let us pray for the insight to see ourselves as the Lord sees us.
😱 It is hard to see ourselves clearly. Sometimes we can see in a reaction from someone else, which shows us something about ourselves.
Images in dreams are aspects of ourselves that our conscious mind does not see. They can show our hidden fears, desires, feelings, and motives. I think it would be helpful to take a look and see what the people in our dreams are doing. Though usually, the dream is not about the actual person we are dreaming of, there is something about this person that we are resonating too and thus this person in the dream is really just an aspect of ourselves.