Thursday 18th September – Thursday of week 24 of the year

Reflection: Luke 7: 36-50

SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS

The inclination to self righteousness is one we must guard against as we grow in our journey of faith. Many Christians today have unknowingly given room to this vice thus, making themselves displeasing to God. Self righteousness has its root in pride. As Christians who are sincerely striving to live holy and righteous lives, we can easily look down upon those who do not seem to be living good lives and judge them. When we do this, even without speaking out, God is already aware just as Jesus knew Simon the Pharisee’s thoughts in today’s reading.

Self righteousness results when we fail to acknowledge that the quest for holiness is itself a function of God’s grace in our lives. When we think of ourselves as righteous, we fail to recognise God’s mercy over us and we will easily condemn others whom we see as “sinners”. In today’s reading, Jesus made Simon realise that religious pride and self righteousness makes us overlook even the glory and honour that is due to God as well as the bounty of His mercy towards all people.

Beloved, as we daily strive to study Scripture, pray regularly, receive Communion and live to please God, let us bear in mind that it is His mercy alone that keeps us going. As we realise this, rather than condemning those living in sin, we would readily and lovingly pray that they too would experience the mercy God has shown us. Remember, God sees the heart.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for your great mercy upon me. Please deliver me from pride and self righteousness and grant me the grace to share this message of mercy with others. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 982 – There is no offense, however serious, that the Church cannot forgive. “There is no one, however wicked and guilty, who may not confidently hope for forgiveness, provided his repentance is honest.” Christ who died for all men desires that in his Church the gates of forgiveness should always be open to anyone who turns away from sin.

HIDE A TREASURE: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God – not because of works lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2: 8-9 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11; Psalm 118: 1-2, 15-17, 28; Luke 7: 36-50