It is easy to point the finger outward from ourself, “as also is this publican.” It is more difficult to point the finger inward upon ourself, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.”
As GK Chesterton was once asked, “What is wrong with the world.” His response, “Dear sirs, I am. I am what is wrong with this world.”
With this in mind we must take a look at ourself. As Sacred Scripture asks, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?”
What is being asked of us is a true sense of humility. Without humility we will constantly walk around grounded in pride where we think everything revolve’s around us. It is only through humility that we are able to look inward upon ourself and to be truthful with what is present. What is that wooden beam that we need to take care of instead of continuing to ignore?
The sacrament of confession aids us in this humility. A good confession is not listing the sins of another or making excuses for our sin due to outside influences. Rather, we look inward upon self and cry out to the infinite mercy of the Father like the publican.
The pharisee had a wonderful resume of accomplishments, but these were done in vain because his heart was far from God. The publican in his simplicity did not rely upon accomplishments, but upon the mercy of God.
As people of faith we are called upon to be found active in our life of faith. Therefore, we will do many wonderful things, but we cannot be fooled into believing that these wonderful things bring forth our salvation if our heart is kept far from God’s mercy. Only like the publican can we come to this realization with a profound sense of humility.
Our days should not be spent wondering around pointing out the misdeeds of others. Instead we are to be concerned with ourself and make sure that our soul is in the state of grace. If we take it upon ourself to act in such fashion we will begin to change the world because we will begin to act more Christlike in the midst of a world which is greatly in need of such influence.
As we will come to be instructed at the conclusion of Mass, “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” This invitation sends us out to live what we have received here, Christ present with us in the Most Holy Eucharist. This can only be accomplished if we are like the publican and take to heart the mercy of the Father and the grace that He pours out upon us.
“O God, be merciful to me a sinner.”
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