In our gospel we encounter two men who are very different. The Pharisee is filled pride while the publican is a man who embraces humility. Through the prayer of the Pharisee we see this pride displayed through the fact that he cannot admit that he has committed any sin, that all his works seem to be for his own benefit, and the fact that he was unable to love his neighbor as someone created in the image and the likeness of God. The Publican ,on the other hand, comes to us in great simplicity and he plays the complete opposite of the Pharisee. He does not allow himself to hide behind pride, his works, nor his judgement of others. His confession is not about pointing the finger at other people or trying to act as if he is perfect in the eyes of God, but is about admitting his sin and his need for God's infinite mercy. The Publican shows to us our own need to respond to God's mercy through humility. Through humility we show the desire to be forgiven and to walk away from our sinfulness.
The action of the Publican is very similar to the actions that we make within the Mass. In his confession to God he struck his breast as a sign of his sinfulness and his desire to avail himself to the mercy of God. In the Confiteor we strike our breast on three occasions as we say "through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault." When we offer this prayer we should not just be proclaiming words and making gestures, but instead we should be embracing the humility of the Publican who admitted his sinfulness and his need for God's mercy. Within the Roman Canon I will say "to us, also, your servants, who, though sinners, hope in your abundant mercies" while I strike my breast. This action is done because none of us are worthy to enter into these most sacred mysteries and yet through Christ's sacrifice that has been offered have been invited to share within them.
We will also mimic the words, thoughts, and actions of the Publican prior to our reception of Christ in Holy Communion. Lifting the host I will say "Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world" and you will respond three times at such a wondrous invitation "Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed" while striking your breast on each occasion. This is a great action of humility which should not be rushed past as if they were mere words or actions. At this moment of the Mass we are preparing to receive Christ into our life through the reception of Holy Communion. This action should never be passed over as if it is not important, but instead should be taken with great seriousness. The Publican displays to us that even at the thought at coming into contact with God our hearts should be moved towards humility, and so it is for us when we receive Christ who is present within the Holy Eucharist.
From the moment that we enter into this Church our hearts should be moved to such preparation to enter into the mysteries that are about to unfold before us. The Pharisee had every opportunity to prepare his own heart, but his pride got in the way of him ever being able to do so. The Publican, on the other hand, was prepared for the confession that he made because he entered into it through humility which made it an authentic confession. May we therefore allow our own hearts to be examined when we enter into the Church for the Mass. When we are about to receive our Lord in Communion may we not allow ourself to rush past as if we are entering into nothing of great importance. May we join ourself with the Publican who did not make excuses, who did not hide behind his works, and was not filled with pride.
When we allow ourself to join with the Publican we will indeed see and know that God's mercy is present because we truly desire it within our hearts. The way of the Pharisee always leads in the opposite direction because this way never allows ourself to admit that we are actually in need of God's mercy. Through the many motions that we make within the Mass we show that this pride is not true and instead it is to be overcome in order that we can move into union with God. May we allow the words and actions of the Mass to transform us here and now and to assist us within the world that we must enter back into that we may continue to trust in God's great mercy and to allow it to unfold further in our life each day. In this way we will take the words of our Gradual to heart and allow the Lord to be our protector instead of allowing ourself to do so through the falsehood of our pride.
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