Friday, August 11 : Saint Augustine

The Pharisee said: “I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity.” Who were this “rest of humanity” if not everyone except himself? “As for me, I’m a just man whereas others are sinners. I’m not like the rest of humanity: unjust, thieves, adulterers.” And now see how the presence of a publican nearby gives him even greater occasion for boasting! “As for me, I’m special; but he’s just like everyone else. I’m not one of his sort; I’m no sinner thanks to my righteous deeds. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all I possess.” What is he asking of God? Examine his words and you will find nothing. He goes up supposedly to pray yet asks nothing of God and praises himself. It’s even too little for him that he asks God for nothing and praises himself: in addition to all this he insults the man praying beside him. It’s too much! The publican “stood off at a distance” yet draws close to God. His heart’s condemnation sets him at a distance but his love brings him near to God. This publican stands apart but the Lord draws near to hear him. “The Lord is exalted, yet the lowly he sees” whereas “the proud” like this Pharisee “he knows from afar” (Ps 138[137],6). The Lord looks from afar on what is proud but it does not escape his notice. Now see, by contrast, this publican’s humility. Not only does he stand at a distance but he doesn’t even raise his eyes to heaven. He doesn’t dare raise his eyes in search of notice. He doesn’t dare look up, his conscience humbles him, but hope lifts him up. Now listen once more: “he beat his breast”. Of his own volition he requests a punishment and so God forgives this man who acknowledges his guilt. “God, be merciful to me a sinner”: here indeed is someone who prays! Why be surprised that God overlooks his sins when he himself acknowledges them? He makes himself his own judge and God pleads his cause; he accuses himself and God defends him. “I tell you truly” – it is Truth speaking, God, the judge – “this publican went home justified, not the other man.” Lord, tell us why? “—Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team