Mercy of God in the Face of Human Weakness

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 26, 2025

Readings: Sirach 35:12–14, 16–18; Psalm 34:2–3, 17–19, 23; 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18; Luke 18:9–14

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/ktim7wP-aew

What makes a person great? Is it pride or humility? Wealth, honour, and pride seem to be what determine a person's position in this world. However, when we delve deeper into the mystery of the human person, what really matters to persons is that they are loved, respected, and accepted. The so-called values of the world, which seem to reward conceit, success and self-promotion, have a limited existence. But the values of the Reign of God, such as peace, justice, humility, generosity and respect, have eternal value. They determine the future of the world and not the values of the world. We are equal before God. Yet, everyone runs after having more than being more. St Ignatius of Loyola speaks about the necessity of being humble before God, to be ready for honour or dishonour, poverty or wealth, or anything else for God and finally to desire poverty, dishonour, and even be a fool for God, since Christ was. As we delve deeper into the liturgical readings on this Sunday, they invite us to follow the same Christ in humility, service and in the well-being of the greater good. 

1. Finding the mercy of God in being humble

In this Sunday’s Gospel Luke 18:9–14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector—two men who go up to the temple to pray. Their actions during the prayer reveal the state of their hearts more than their words. The Pharisee, confident in his own righteousness, stands tall and lists his religious achievements. The tax collector, aware of his sinfulness, stands at a distance, unable even to lift his eyes to heaven, and simply pleads, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” He prays with a humble and contrite heart (Ps 51:19). What a contrast we notice here? 

This story brings forth the illusions of pride and exposes the truth about authentic prayer and humility. The attitude of the Pharisee is condemned and not for the person he was. He was a good man and did beautiful things in life. However, he failed to see the good in others. He compared with others. He never realized that grace comes through humility and lowliness. He spoke about himself and not of God, who is the giver of good things. His concentration was on "I" rather than "you." In contrast, the tax collector’s few words uttered with so much helplessness are filled with truth, humility, and dependence on God. He knows his limitations and his utter dependence on God. In such a moment of open honesty, God’s mercy finds him.

2. The exaltation of the humble and simple

In a world that always looks at the mighty, sturdy and dominant, Jesus has a simple advice. “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” It is difficult to be simple in a world of loftiness. True holiness begins when we are sincere and honest before God. What we need to do is stand before the Almighty with our simplicity and truth. We must never stop opening ourselves as weak, vulnerable, finite, and failing.  Ultimately, deep down, our hearts are looking for His love and light. Before God, no one is righteous, no one has cause to boast (Rom 3:10; 4:2). God has no favourites. He cannot be bribed. (Deut 10:17).

This parable reminds us that prayer is not a performance but a relationship; it is not about making lofty speeches but about prayer on your knees that matters most. God listens not to the eloquence of our words but to the sincerity of our hearts. Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but recognizing that everything we are and have is grace. When we pray with the heart of the tax collector, we allow God to lift us up—to restore, forgive, and renew us. It invites us to live with humility and solidarity, seeing others not as lesser or greater than ourselves, but as brothers and sisters of the same family. 

3. In Human weakness, Divine strength fills

Writing to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:6–8), St Paul encourages with the calm assurance of one who has fought well and lived faithfully. “I am already being poured out like a libation,” he says, “and the time of my departure has come.” These are not words of fear or regret, but of fulfillment and peace. Paul looks back at his life not as a story of success or achievement, but as a life faithfully offered to God—an act of worship. These are the final words of St Paul. It is said that we should not be constrained by the greatest thing, but to be contained in the smallest thing, and that is divine.

Our lives are not meant to be preserved or hoarded but to be given—lavishly, lovingly, generously and completely. Paul has “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” His faithfulness amid trials, loneliness, and opposition stands as a witness that true victory lies not in escaping suffering, but in enduring it with trust in God. Because it is God who gives the strength. In human weakness, divine strength fulfills it. Every act of fidelity, sacrifice, one day will have its reward in God.

Questions for self-reflection.

1. When I pray, do I approach God with a humble heart, or do I find myself comparing my life to others?
2. How can I cultivate the prayer of the tax collector: simple, sincere, and grounded in truth?
3. Have I remained faithful in the race of life even when I felt tired, misunderstood, or alone?
4. What steps can I take this week to pray more honestly and to live more faithfully, trusting that God’s grace is enough?

Prayer:

Lord, grant me the grace of humility. Teach me to pray not to impress, but to open my heart before You. Free me from pride that blinds and self-righteousness that divides. May my prayer always be sincere, springing from gratitude and trust in Your mercy. Lord, bless me with courage to pour out my life in love, to run my race with faithfulness, and to trust Your presence when I feel alone. May Your strength uphold me in weakness, and may I one day share in the crown of life You promise to all who remain steadfast in Your love. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Persistence in Prayer: A Way to Win

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 19, 2025

Readings: Exodus 17:8-13; Psalm 121:1-8; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/5WtZYZDe7Vc

To win a game, we must know our competence. Our courage and dedication will enable the competitive spirit to win a game. Persistence, consistency and resilience are three essential mantras for any victory. Our efforts bear fruit depending on when we adhere to the rules of the game and make use of our every talent diligently. We can win the battle if we are ready to fight with determination and dedication. The liturgical readings on this Sunday invite us to embrace the spirit of Moses, the eloquence of St Paul and the wisdom of Jesus. Moses, along with his people, the Israelites, had to fight for their survival with no weapons in hand. The only weapon they had was the great courage of Moses and his intimate relationship with Yahweh through prayer. As we delve deeper into the Word of God, we are truly inspired to follow the path that was tread by Moses, Jesus and St Paul.

1. Persistence in the absence of God's Presence

In this Gospel passage, Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the story of a widow who keeps coming to an unjust judge, pleading for justice. Though the judge has no fear of God and no respect for people, he eventually grants her request—not because he has become righteous, but because she refuses to give up. Jesus then contrasts this unjust judge with God, who is just and compassionate. Unlike the unjust judge, God always listens to us; moreover, if we pray persistently, then He will grant us everything. 

Your Faith has Saved You

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 12, 2025

Readings: 2 Kings 5:14–17; Psalm 98:1–4; 2 Timothy 2:8–13; Luke 17:11–19

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/7_Rqj2U_U4U

Gratitude is the attitude of the heart. Gratitude swells out of the abundance of thankfulness. A grateful heart is joyful, blissful and faithful. Thanksgiving is a beautiful expression of our joy in having received some help or service. That's why everyone loves to hear the word "thanks." Unfortunately, it often remains just lip service. We must be thankful for what we have received. If we received some benefit or help, or assistance from someone, then we must return it more than what we have received. Only a grateful heart is a happy heart. Cultivating such a heart takes energy and effort. The liturgical readings on this 28th Sunday in Ordinary time invite us to be like that Namaan, a Syrian, a non-Jew, a Commander of the Army or that Samaritan leper who thanked God for all the healing they received. They made not only an extra effort to thank the person who healed them, but also continued to proclaim the mighty works of a God whom they did not believe earlier. 

1. Faith demands active listening

In this Sunday’s Gospel Luke 17:11–19, we meet ten lepers standing at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Their disease had separated them from their families, their communities, and even their places of worship. Yet, their cry of faith reaches Jesus — and He hears them. Jesus does not touch them or perform a dramatic miracle. He simply tells them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they obey, they are healed on the way. Moreover, all ten lepers were healed. God's love and mercy are for all people who are open and willing to receive it, regardless of their background or where they come from.

Lord, Increase our Faith

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 05, 2025

Readings: Habakkuk 1:2–3; 2:2–4; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9; 2 Timothy 1:6–8, 13–14; Luke 17:5–10

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/o1AZFhQ3lgM

Faith is the greatest force in the world. Even that which looks completely impossible becomes possible if it is approached with faith. Often, we are worried for no reason! A senior person may worry because his or her children are away for the moment, and the person feels lonely. Or the worry about one's senior years may trouble him or her. A young person may worry about one's grades in studies, finding the right job and getting settled down, even though the person may be on the way to completing studies, has applied for a job or has plans to settle down in life. Things are going to happen, and they are on the way for the best of our abilities and time, yet we worry about those things which have not left us in delusion. Getting worried about things, even though they might not have any consequences immediately, seems to be a natural phenomenon that all of us go through. In this context, we have powerful readings on this Sunday's liturgy. Jesus says have faith and that will settle you.

Robin1. Faith is cultivated and not bought

The Gospel this Sunday, Luke 17:5–10 opens with the heartfelt plea of the apostles: “Lord, increase our faith!” It is a prayer of everyone. All of us look for a strong sense of faith. Faith is not something we can manufacture or produce in a factory by our own strength; it cannot be bought; it is a gift that grows when we remain close to the Lord. Jesus reminds us that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, uproot trees, and do what seems impossible to our eyes. The point is not the size of our faith, but the presence of genuine trust in God. A small but living faith, surrendered to God, can unleash His power in ways far beyond our imagination.