Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 26, 2025

I find this particular parable from Jesus to be one of the most comforting because it reminds me of Jesus’ mercy for me personally; that, although I am far from perfect, and a great sinner, Jesus is so happy to forgive me. And I hope that all who hear this gospel passage can feel the same way. 

…It is so easy to condemn ourselves, especially when we don’t yet realize how deeply Jesus’ heart burns with mercy for us. Saint Therese of Lisieux put it this way. She wrote in her autobiography: “Even if I had on my conscience every crime one could commit, I would lose nothing of my confidence; I would go, my heart broken with sorrow, and throw myself into the arms of my Savior[ because] I know how much He loves the prodigal child who returns to Him.”


Through Jesus’ parable, He also gives us warnings against two things: (1) Pride: Thinking we’re good enough; and (2) Presumption: Believing our sins don’t matter.


For example, the Pharisee clearly struggles with pride; he really thought he was holy. He was listing off all these good things he does. But, Jesus says this man remains closed to God’s saving grace. Why? Because he despises a fellow sinner.


So, the warning is that, even if we actually do all those good things that the pharisee said he did, if we look down on another, even if they are huge sinners, we are guilty of an abomination in God’s eyes because, as Saint John wrote: How can we say we love God whom we cannot see if we hate our neighbor whom we can see?


…The second thing Jesus warns against is presumption: Believing: “I can keep on sinning with no remorse because God will forgive me.” Rather, the humble sinner who is saved by Jesus is the one who repents; who admits their faults and sincerely desires to change, like that tax collector. 


…When I go to confession, the act of contrition I personally use, and the one I recommend, is the one that repeats almost exactly what the contrite tax collector says, which goes: “Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”


So, again, this parable gives hope to every humble and honest soul. God does not remember our sins when we are truly sorry and confess them. No matter what we have done, if we are honest with ourselves and with God, and keep returning to Him for mercy—while showing mercy to others—we are walking the path that leads to Him. 



Scripture readings for this Mass: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102625.cfm

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