Gospels explained by Jesus - Gospel messages, gospels explanation |
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Luke 18:9-14
Year C -
30th Sunday in Ordinary time
Every one that exalts himself, shall be humbled: and he that humbles himself, shall be exalted.
The just man sins seven times a day and rises again (Prov. 24:16). And indeed who can call himself just, if there is only one who is just? Who can call himself holy, if there is only one who is holy? Saint Paul says in Philippians 2:12 that you must work out your salvation with fear and trembling. He is exhorting you to humility.
Therefore, remember that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge, one who is able to save or destroy, and that you should not justify yourself or judge others (James 4:12). Let me be the judge, be justified by your faith in me, the Son of the true God. I am the light of the world and I can see the heart and the mind, I can read the secret thoughts of all creatures, nothing is hidden from me, since I can be everywhere. If anyone wants to follow me he must learn from me because I am meek and humble of heart. I made myself small so that you would learn that first lesson from me. Humility is what I taught with my life as a human being, by my poverty and my example. If anyone wants to impress me, he must renounce himself, in other words he must disregard his own self-opinion and humbly accept my judgment. He who gives his life to me does not expect any reward for his actions, since he is doing all that is good in order to please me. His work will become my work, and all his good actions will be the works of my spirit. He does not live anymore for himself but for me, he does not have to attract my attention, he already lives in my presence. I will be his protector; I will keep him alert when temptation comes. If he sins, he will humble himself and obtain my forgiveness, my grace will always bless him and what he offers me will be the object of my pleasure. When adversity comes into his life he will still put his trust in me and I will rescue him out of his distress. He will live for me and I will be always with him. On the other hand, the man who justifies himself is already rejecting my judgment, he stands alone since he thinks he is so strong, eventually he will fall and his pride will make it very hard for him to come to my mercy. I will resist the proud until they become humble. But the humble will always find a reassuring welcome in the love of my heart.
Received by: Joseph
of Jesus and Mary
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9 And to some who trusted in themselves as just, and despised others, he spoke also this parable:
