October 29, 2025 | Liturgical Year C
Readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
- Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23
- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
- Luke 18:9-14
Authentic and Humble Prayer
In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus’ parable about the Pharisee and the Publican tax collector; both went up to the temple to pray. Pharisees belonged to a Jewish sect that rigidly followed the law; they were often self-righteous and critical of others. Publicans were Jews who served the Roman authorities by collecting taxes, often enriching themselves in the process; they were considered public sinners and were treated with disdain.
Attitude in Prayer. Recall that Jesus told this parable to some “who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.” Jesus contrasts the attitudes of the two men. The Pharisee’s prayer was a self-serving attempt to tell God how righteous he was; it reeked of pride, an inflated ego, and judgement of others. However, the Publican pleaded: “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner”; he recognized his guilt and his sins, begging God’s forgiveness. Jesus concludes his parable, saying “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Pope Francis has provided us with numerous insights on genuine humility. “If God prefers humility, it is not to debase us: humility is the necessary precondition for being lifted up again by Him, so as to experience the mercy that comes to fill our emptiness. The prayer of the arrogant does not reach God’s heart, but the humility of the wretched opens it up. God has a predilection for the humble and, encountering a humble heart, He opens His own fully” (6-1-16). Francis continues: “In Mary we see that humility is not a virtue of the weak but of the strong who do not have to treat others badly to feel important” (8-13-17).
Need of Missionary-Disciples. All missionaries and evangelizers (indeed, all authentic Christians) need the attitude of humble servants. Humility is a clear sign of the messenger’s authenticity. Humility attracts; humility evangelizes. As Pope Francis noted in his homily at the beginning of his pontificate (3-19-13): “Let us never forget that authentic power is service”!
Ask, Seek, Knock. We can recall that elsewhere in the Gospel Jesus uses these three imperatives when he teaches his disciples about prayer. Then, he goes on to give clear assurances that a fervent request will definitely be answered. Jesus is teaching us to pray with urgency, perseverance, and joy. Hopefully, these qualities are present in our Christian prayer, not because we who pray are so deserving, but because we pray to our generous, heavenly Father who constantly gives good things to those who ask.
Does this mean that all prayers are answered? Saint Augustine affirms that prayer always receives a response; however, he adds: “If our prayers seem unanswered, it is because we do not ask rightly or we do not ask for the right things.” Here is how a little girl responded when she was taunted that God did not answer her prayer; she simply said: “Yes, God answered my prayer, but this time he said ‘no’.”
Genuine Prayer. True prayer always combines the prayer of petition with the prayer of praise and gratitude to our Father in heaven. We humbly ask ourselves: What is my attitude in prayer? Does my prayer deepen my personal relationship with the Father, his son Jesus, and the life-giving Spirit?
Notes on the Readings
First Reading, Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
The Old Testament Book of Sirach was written by a famous teacher around 180 BC. Today’s reading illustrates that the prayer of the humble person will penetrate the heavens, because God always “hears the cry of the oppressed” and “the prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds.”
Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23
This psalm forcefully notes that God listens to the prayer of a poor, humble person. We rejoice because “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.”
Second Reading, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Today’s magnificent passage continues Paul’s pastoral advice to Timothy. Paul writes from prison, anticipating martyrdom. One could consider this Paul’s last will and testament, seeking to encourage Timothy. Paul’s undying courage and faith shine through the words he writes.
Gospel, Luke 18:9-14
Our Gospel today gives us Jesus’ famous parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisees self-righteously sought total separation from all gentiles, especially the Romans. On the other hand, the publicans collaborated with the Romans by collecting taxes for them. Jesus is teaching that a sincere and humble heart is essential for all authentic religion.
Notes and Commentary by Maryknoller James H. Kroeger, who has recently published Walking with Pope Francis: The Official Documents in Everyday Language (Orbis Books) as well as Exploring Vatican II Treasures: Actors, Events, Insights and A Joyful Journey with Pope Francis (Faith Alive Books).