Readings for Oct. 26-27, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
By Lyn Zahorik | For On Mission
In this Sunday’s Gospel, the Pharisee is living up to one definition of Pharisee, “a self-righteous bigot.” He prayed in a way that was egotistical and showy, and he sought attention and validation from others, rather than a prayer genuinely communicating with God. The Pharisee prayed for his own desires and needs without considering the broader picture or the needs of others. Consider the different spin this story would have taken if he had prayed incorporating empathy, humility and an attitude of gratitude into his prayer, instead of one of boastfulness.
The prayer could have evolved such as this: “I thank you God that I have the resources that make it possible for me to contribute to charity. I thank God that I have the religious freedom that allows me to pray and worship. I pray to God for that poor tax collector and all other people who have to endure hardships from which I have been spared.”
If the Pharisee had prayed in that spirit of openness to God, he would have returned home filled with a humble spirit of gratitude.
There are many ways to pray. I can pray silently; I may offer a spontaneous prayer in a prayer circle or pray aloud in unison with others. I can pray in church, in my car, at the dinner table, sitting by a flowing stream or lying in bed. I can pray standing up or kneeling down. I can pray with my eyes open or closed. I can pray with hands folded, hands lifted up or hands covering my face to hold back the tears trickling down my cheeks.
And then there are the times when we are gathered in a group and having been invited to “close your eyes and bow your head,” I take just that little peek to see what everyone else is doing. It is really awkward when you see someone else peeking right back at you!
Prayer is more than posture or words. It’s about connecting deeply, humbly and with a vulnerable manner, whether you’re expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, asking for guidance or finding comfort. It’s in those genuine, unguarded moments that true communion with God happens. Real prayer is an expression of gratitude because we know God is good, and we’re grateful for his goodness.
I like to imagine prayers that dance in the heart of God. Prayers where we share our thoughts, dreams and worries. Imagine those prayers filled with joy, grace and authenticity as a joyous dance, full of faith and trust, swaying with the rhythm of gratitude and love. Dancing prayers speak from our heart, knowing that in God’s heart, our words are heard and cherished.
We are living in a time in our history that seems filled with the prayers of Righteous Pharisees. May we then seek to pray prayers that dance in the heart of God; prayers of gratitude, prayers that lift up others, prayers for guidance, understanding, forgiveness, compassion and tolerance. Prayers that celebrate and honor God moving among us.
Zahorik is director for spiritual engagement at St. Mary Parish, Omro, and St. Mary Parish, Winneconne.
The readings for Sunday, Oct. 27, can be found at Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB.