*REFLECTION FOR THE THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY* *TIME YEAR C (MISSION SUNDAY)* 

We join the universal Church today to pray for and support Church's missionary activities. Last Sunday presented us with the determined struggle of a good person, a widow, for justice. Jesus used the story to teach that God hears the persistent cry of the just. On this Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we are presented with a sinner who prays to God for mercy and, wonderfully, God hears the sinner's humble prayer also.

   In the gospel (Luke 18: 9-14), it is made clear that the only prayer to which God cannot respond is that of the self-righteous who effectively says to God: "I do not need you." Remarkably, unlike the Tax collector who beat his breast and prayed to God for mercy, "the Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself". Implicitly, the Pharisee neither had any recognition for God nor any need of Him. He was full of himself and his achievements. How do you present yourself to God in prayer? Are you inclined towards self-righteousness or do you beat your breast in humility asking for mercy? 

   In the first reading (Sirach 35: 12-14, 16-19), the book of Sirach reminds us that though God has no favourites, God always hears the humble prayer of those who cry to Him in need. Our attitude in prayer plays a vital role in our prayer "piercing the clouds" into God's presence. 

   Dear friends, a challenge is thrown at us today to examine what our attitude is when we enter into God's presence in prayer. Pride leads to self-deception and spiritual blindness, but true humility helps us to see ourselves as we truly are in God's eyes and lens to seek God's help and mercy. 

   I pray as we journey in life today, let us emulate St. Paul's attitude in his relationship with God (2 Tm. 4: 6-8, 16-18). St. Paul acknowledges that all he has achieved in his ministry of spreading the gospel message are because the Lord Jesus stood by him and to Jesus do all glory belong. He never relied on his strength nor on those who denied him when he needed them most during his trial. As missionaries, let us learn to live humbly, forgiving others as we ask to be forgiven; to never disparage others but be loving in all our dealings. Like the Psalmist, may we bless the Lord at all times and His praise always on our lips, and if we must boast, may it be in the Lord (Ps. 32: 2-3). Have a humble and prayer-full Sunday!

 *@Fr Francis Onwunali*