God Listens to the Humble

HOMILY FOR THE 30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C BY REV. AUGUSTINE ADETOLA

The readings for this Sunday remind us that God sees the heart. He listens to those who

are humble and cry out for justice. He does not turn away from the poor or the weak.

Instead, He cares for those who trust Him. In the readings, we see the difference

between pride and humility. Sirach speaks of God’s justice. He reminds us that God listens to those who are humble. He does not favor the rich or powerful over the poor. He hears the cries of those who are in need, especially those who have no one else to help them. This is comfort to anyone who feels forgotten or ignored. The world often gives attention to those with status, money, or influence. But God sees things differently. He values sincerity, honesty, and humility. He does not judge based on outward success but on the attitude of the soul. This reading also reminds us to be like God in how we treat others. Do we listen to those who are struggling? Do we stand up for the oppressed? If God hears their cries, we should too. He calls us to show kindness and fairness to everyone, not just to those who can benefit us in some way.

In the second reading, Paul talks about staying faithful even in hard times. He speaks

about his struggles. He has stayed faithful to his mission even when others abandoned

him. He knows that God is with him and will bring him safely into His kingdom. Paul’s words show that faith does not mean life will be easy. He faced many hardships, yet he never gave up. He trusted that God would give him strength. Even when people turned away from him, he knew he was not alone. This is an important message for anyone facing difficulties. Life is full of challenges, and sometimes we feel like we are standing alone. But God remains with us. He gives us the courage to keep going. Like Paul, we are called to stay faithful, knowing that God will lead us through whatever we face.

Today’s gospel teaches that humility is necessary to be right with God. In the parable, the

Pharisee stands confidently, thanking God that he is better than others. He lists his good

deeds, believing they make him righteous. The tax collector, however, stands at a

distance, unwilling to lift his eyes. He simply prays for mercy. Jesus says it is the tax

collector who goes home justified. This challenges how people often see holiness. The

Pharisee follows the law and does good works, but his pride separates him from God. The tax collector, despite his sins, knows he needs God’s mercy. He does not try to prove his worth. He simply asks for forgiveness. If the first big mistake of the Pharisee was to

think that God would be impressed by his boasting, the second was in his thinking that he was better than others. The Pharisee was looking around while the Tax collector was

looking within. The Pharisee got what he asked for, which was nothing, while the sinner got what he asked for, which was everything. Two things especially make our prayers void and of no effect: a proud sense of our own righteousness and a contempt for others.

The lesson is clear. No one earns God’s favor through good deeds alone. It is not about

comparing ourselves to others or thinking we are better. It is about recognizing our need

for God and trusting in His mercy. The Pharisee looked good on the outside but was full of pride. The tax collector was honest about his sins and humbled himself.

Dear friends, we have a lot to unpack from today’s readings. Firstly, let us be mindful of

how we treat people and welcome them. Let us learn from the tax collector and discard

the example of the Pharisee. We become the proud Pharisee when we brag about our

achievements, giving no credit to God, when we seek praise and recognition from others

for our accomplishments, and when we degrade others with insensitive comments, hurting their feelings. Thirdly, let us rid ourselves of self-justification. When we justify ourselves, we leave no room for grace and mercy. God does not want this. Finally, let us ask for God’s unconditional love, mercy, and humility. Humility draws us closer to God. We should be humble in both our words and our actions. Humility will help to practice unconditional love.

Lord, help me to be humble before You. Keep me from pride and self-righteousness. Teach me to trust in Your mercy and not in my own efforts. Give me the strength to stay faithful in hard times. Open my heart to hear the cries of those in need and to show kindness. Amen.

Summary of the Gospel

• Both were Jewish people—they pray three times a day (9-12-3). Both men went to the temple to pray.

• The parable has a two-fold meaning. i) a warning against pride and contempt for others, and ii) an admonition to approach God with a humble and repentant heart.

• The Pharisee's prayers were ineffective because he despised everyone, including the tax collector. When we harbor hatred in our hearts, our prayers are not heard.

• Two things especially make our prayers void and of no effect: a proud sense of our own righteousness and a contempt for others.

• His prayer was short, but straight to the point. His heartbroken, humble prayer opened his heart entirely to God, which enabled him to forgiveness.

• A humble and contrite heart, O God, you will not spurn.

• Humility attracts us to God, but pride chases us away.

• The Pharisee was looking around, while the tax collector looked within.

• Who are we? A Pharisee or a Tax collector? God bless you. Amen.