This is something I have been praying a lot about recently, and I would like to share it with you. Read Luke 18:9-16, it is the parable of the publican and the Pharisee.
It is also below:
"He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: 'Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Now what follows is a paragraph from a book I am reading right now called
Tuning Into Grace: The Quest for God by Andre Louf. It is an intense book great for meditation and providing lots of 'food for thought' so to speak. It's a great reflection on the proper attitude we should have while praying to God.
From page 77, "To all his brothers and colleagues he has become a kind and gentle friend. Their defects no longer irritate him. He sympathizes with their weakness. His confidence is no longer in himself but in God. He is possessed, as it were, by the love and omnipotence of God. He is therefore also poor, really poor - poor in spirit - and stands close to all who are poor and to all forms of poverty, spiritual and physical. He regards himself as the foremost of sinners, but has obtained forgiveness. Therefore he can relate to all sinners in the world as an equal and a brother. He is close to them, because he is not better than they are. His favourite prayer is the prayer of the publican. It is like breathing, like the heartbeat of the world, the expression of its deepest longing for salvation and healing: 'Lord Jesus, be merciful to me a poor sinner!'"
This was from the chapter entitled 'Contrition of the Heart' and it is aptly named. So often we get wrapped up in our own good doings and our own lives that we forget that God created each and every single person out of love. We are made in His image, and we need to accept His love for us by showing it to other people. We can grow in love and charity by humbling ourselves, to follow the example of Jesus, who humbled himself to accept death on a cross.
This struck me powerfully and I wanted to share this with everyone. Thoughts? Please post comments :)
So, I've made mention of some people here, and I figured you probably don't really know who I'm talking about.
All the way on the left you'll find Sarah, who hails from Boston. She's the one who loves going to the river and limonsillos and invented putting yogurt with chopped guineo (similar to bananas) in the freezer. Makes a perfect afternoon treat on a hot day.
Next to her you'll find Luisa, who hails from Blas Martinez, a campo outside of Higüerito. She's the resident "teacher" of our missionary team and will even correct Father Murphy when his Spanish is less than impeccable. Her favorite phrase is to say "QUEEEEEEE?!?!?!?" and most especially during a game of cards. Always smiling, she will find a way, mostly through handing you a pretty flower, to brighten your day.
Then there's me. But y'all already know me, so skipping ahead to China. She is from Venezuela and she's a Consecrated Virgin = awesome. :) As Father calls her, an undercover nun. She's got a ton of experience working with kids and teens and her love for Christ is evident in all she does.
Finally, there's Isamar. She is in el liceo (high school) in Bánica and comes with us on Sundays to be a part of our missionary team. She's really smart and fun to be around.
This picture is of the official missionary team of 2010-2011.
First is Ory, who is going to start school in January, and she's going to study idiomas (languages). She works in the brand-new library.
Next is Kuky, who is going to study contrabilidad. Basically math.
Then there's me.
Then Luisa, who is going to study to be a teacher.
We then have Sarah, then China, whom you've already been introduced to.
Kuky and I have this dance step that she taught me and now we're working on adding to it.
Ory and I are roommates every week for a night, and we always have fun getting up super early to meet everyone else for morning prayer at the church.
Luisa already practices her teacher skills by helping Sarah and I learn more Spanish (or correcting us when were wrong).
This picture is of the night Luisa, Kuky and Ory registered for college. A HUGE deal for them, because this is still an opportunity that is not available to everyone down here, and especially girls. China, Sarah and I had a little celebration for them to congratulate them on this next, big step in their lives.
We can't forget the priest on the team. This is Father O'Hare. He really loves this entire community, and he works tirelessly to provide for his parish. And he's never too busy to provide 'una bola' or a ride, to anyone who asks...as you can see in this picture. :)
