Breaking Open the Word

By James Cavanagh

Oct. 24: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture readings:

• Sirach 35:12-18
• Psalm 34:2-3, 17-23
• 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
• Luke 18:9-14

Overview: 
“Fallen man,” C.S. Lewis said, “is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms.” We live in a culture that scoffs at the idea of sin. The loss of a consciousness of sin, however, results in a superficial spirituality that makes it difficult to get the most out of Mass. 

This week’s readings remind us of how important it is to have the right disposition before God.  Written in Alexandria, Egypt around 132 B.C. the book of Sirach synthesizes centuries of Jewish wisdom. It contains practical instructions on religion and morality.

The first reading comes from a section that deals with authentic worship and the kind of sacrifices acceptable to God. Nothing is quite as humbling as the recognition of our own mortality.

In the second reading Paul sees his life “being poured out like a libation.” He is imprisoned and alone, yet he does not despair. Strengthened by Christ who has stood by him every step of the way, Paul is confident that the Lord will bring him safe to his heavenly kingdom.

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about religious leaders who “were convinced of their own righteousness.” Before we jump to conclusions, it’s important to understand that Jesus does not condemn the righteousness of the Pharisee, nor does he commend the sinfulness of the tax collector. The problem with the Pharisee was his lack of humility, while the tax collector was honest with himself and God saying, simply, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Key Verse:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Ps 34:18).

“Catechism of the Catholic Church”: 
“Interior repentance is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil, with repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed. At the same time it entails the desire and resolution to change one’s life, with hope in God’s mercy and trust in the help of his grace” (No 1431).

Pope Benedict XVI: 
“We know that the faithful are surrounded by a culture that tends to eliminate the sense of sin and to promote a superficial approach that overlooks the need to be in a state of grace in order to approach sacramental Commu-nion worthily. The loss of a consciousness of sin always entails a certain superficiality in the understanding of God’s love” (“Sacramentum Caritatis,” 20).

James Cavanagh is director of Evangelization and Catechesis for Metro-Area Parishes of the Denver Archdiocese. For information on subscribing to "Breaking Open the Word, click here. For archives click here.