O God, be merciful to me a sinner* - *Why this is a great Prayer

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Third Week: Saturday

*GOSPEL - Lk 18:9-14*

*First Reading - Hos 6:1-6*

*O God, be merciful to me a sinner* - *Why this is a great Prayer*

*1) The Great and Effective prayer*

From the Gospel it is very clear that the prayer of Tax Collector was very effective, powerful and genuine, which was heard by God. 

*O God, be merciful to me a sinner.* This is a only one small line and simple prayer, but in the eyes of God becomes a great prayer 

This prayer is great because, through this prayer the tax collector went home justified and he was blessed by God. Such a prayer is really a powerful and effective prayer 

If So what would the the reasons for this effective or powerful prayer from the tax collector

May be some of the reasons are following 

*2) Tax collector prayer was an evaluation of the Self*

The small prayer shows that the tax collector had really made an evaluation of the self 

Such evaluation made him to realise his genuine self 

He came to realise that he is a sinner and he needs the mercy of God 

Such an response can come only when a person makes a sincere and genuine evaluation of the Self 

*3) Tax collectors prayer was great because it shows the quality of Humility*

To realise one is sinner is one thing. But to admit that some one is sinner before God is another thing 

This tax collector not only realises his weakness, but he was also humble enough to accept it before God

Such an attitude needs a great level of humility, which can very well be seen in tax collector

*4) Tax collectors prayer is great, because it becomes the staring point of Metanoia - Genuine conversion*

The importance of the prayer is highlighted because of its aspect of conversion

The prayer shows that the tax collector intended to change his life and to begin the new way of life. 

In this sense the prayer of the tax collector becomes great and effective 

*5) In this prayer of Tax collector the comparison is only with the self*

The tax collector compares his life only with his sinful life 

Thus he is able to have a genuine evaluation of the self and also to see the spiritual growth in his life 

Where as the prayer of the Pharisee was in comparison with the tax collector and he concludes himself as better than others 

*6) God gives conclusion to the Prayer*

To the prayer of the Pharisee, he himself gives the conclusion and declares himself as self righteous

In the prayer of the tax collector, there is no conclusion by the tax collector, but only acceptance of his shortcomings

Finally it is God who gives conclusion and that also a positive conclusion to his prayer

That is why his prayer becomes a great and effective prayer 

*7) The aspect of Sinfulness and God's Mercy*

These are the two important aspect which should reflect when we come before the Lord 

Since there is no perfect Human being on this earth, sinfulness on the part of man and Mercy on the part of God are the two things which have a deep value 

So such great aspects are seen only the prayer of tax collector. That is why his prayer is great and effective 

*8) A model prayer*

It appears that the prayer of the tax collector had become a model prayer over the years 

Even today the prayer of the tax collector is very powerful and most effective even in our life 

It is more apt that we take this prayer as model prayer, when we come before the Lord 

That's why this prayer is great 

*9) Need of this prayer*

Christian life is impossible without this prayer

Without this prayer we can grow in our spirituality and in holiness 

Since this prayer is the foundation of the conversion, no conversion is possible with out this prayer and the attitude

*10) Total dependence on God*

The prayer of tax collector shows the total dependence and trust in God

Without God we are nothing - such an attitude is very much present in it 

That is why this prayer is powerful and effective 

*11) What about my prayer?*

Is it like that of Pharisee or like the tax collector?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*