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

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 have a limited existence. But the values of the Reign of God, like peace, justice, humility, generosity and respect, have eternal value. They determine the future of the world and not the values of the world. 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.

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