Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 26, 2025

Date: 30^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Luke 18:9-14

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity -- greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.' But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel recounts Jesus’ familiar parable of two men’s prayers. The first, a Pharisee, who self-righteously boasts to the LORD and judges others. The second, a tax collector who acknowledges his own sinfulness and humbly prays to the LORD for mercy.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I honest with myself about my own failings and my need for the LORD’s loving mercy? Is my prayer stance rightfully humble?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, I humbly come to You this day full of awe for all You are and with gratitude for all You have given to me beginning with my life. Send your Spirit to help me honestly acknowledge my sins and fill me with remorse. Give me the courage to seek your loving mercy humbly. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, through whose selfless sacrifice You brought justification. Amen.