I went to St. Matthias Parish in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago's North Side to visit dear Father Larry, former pastor of Ascension--and also to check in on how he's faring in Cubs-headed-to-the-World Series fever ;-).
There is scaffolding in the front part of the sanctuary there because of a painting project. So whenever I stepped out of my pew, I had to duck down under the metal beams. It seems a fitting gesture with the theme of humility in this Sunday's readings.
God is great because He is attentive to the cries of the poor. As Sirach puts it, He's not impartial to the poor, but nevertheless regards the lowly in a particular way. It is them He desires to raise up, that they may truly praise Him, because they know He truly satisfies. That is what distinguishes the tax collector from the Pharisee in the Gospel story: The tax collector humbly acknowledges how He stands in relationship with God, and doesn't presume anything righteous about Himself as he pleads for God's mercy. For Him, God alone serves as a source of righteousness for him.
As St. Paul senses the imminent end of his life, he reflects on how God has strengthened Him to face great troubles, so that he could persevere in fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith, to earn the reward of Eternal Life, that God may be praised. Those stirring words bring to mind the tribute my family offered to my Grandpa Martin when he passed to Eternal Life, receiving his reward for fighting the good fight. It is an inspiring encouragement we have from the saints of old, who are cheering for us in Heavenly glory. What an inspiration for the young people of Ascension who were just confirmed, and for me as I live out my Confirmation in guiding them.
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