True Prayer is an Encounter with the Living God

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today, the 30th Sunday of ordinary time, we continue with the theme of prayer. The readings help us to deepen our understanding of authentic prayer. The first reading shows us that real prayer should help us know more of God, our loving Father, and in knowing him, we definitely would know ourselves. If our relationship with God is real and true, it would be like a mirror that helps us to know more about ourselves, it helps us to see our sinfulness before the purity of the Father. But it also shows us the mercy and love of God that purifies us and raises us up. Knowing and seeing these clearly, we cannot but be grateful for the generosity and love of God.

Real prayer should help us know more of God, our loving Father, and in knowing him, we definitely would know ourselves.

The Gospel for this Sunday shows it clearly. The contrast between the prayer of the Pharisee and the tax collector indicate who has the authentic relationship with God. The Pharisee’s prayer makes him despise his neighbor while that of the tax collector will make him more compassionate towards his neighbor.

Let us examine our prayers dear brothers and sisters and try to see if we become more compassionate, loving and forgiving towards our neighbor. If it does then let us continue but if not, let us set aright our prayer to be able to experience the real God.