Active Membership Pillar: Engagement in at least one parish ministry

This week’s readings offer a powerful reflection on humility, justice, and the nature of true prayer from a Catholic perspective. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus contrasts the self-righteous Pharisee with the humble tax collector. The Pharisee exalts himself, listing his religious deeds, while the tax collector, aware of his sinfulness, simply prays, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner”. Jesus declares that it is the tax collector who goes home justified, for “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted”.

We are reminded that God is a just judge who “shows no partiality” and listens especially to the “cry of the oppressed”. God’s justice is not swayed by status or appearances but is rooted in mercy and truth. The prayers of the lowly “pierce the clouds,” showing that God draws near to the humble and hears the brokenhearted.

As Catholics, these readings call us to examine our attitudes in prayer and in life. Do we trust in our own righteousness, or do we come before God with contrite hearts? Humility is not only the foundation of prayer, but is at the core of servant leadership. At Lumen Christi, contributing to our community is part of being an active parishioner. Working alongside our brothers and sisters from all walks of life with the aim to contribute to the common good emphasizes that no one is greater or lesser than another in the eyes of God.