At the time of our gospel, tax collectors were not honest government employees. Although Jewish, they sold their services to the occupying Romans. Tax collectors were viewed by many Jews as traitors and thieves. There were no controls or checks placed on the tax collectors as they demanded far more than the rate paid to Rome. With the help of Roman soldiers standing behind their tables, the collectors could take whatever sum of money they wanted from the people and paid the Roman government a set percentage. People were made poor and children went hungry because of such betrayal/greed. Many tax collectors became rich in their alliance with the Roman pagans, while their Jewish countrymen suffered. Sinner was the appropriate name tag for the tax collector.
But in the gospel parable, the tax collector in the temple is aware of his sinfulness. He dares not lift his eyes to heaven. “Be merciful to me a sinner”, is all he can pray. While the Pharisee asked for nothing from God and received nothing. The tax collector asked for mercy and received mercy.
God’s mercy is always open to us. However, many times, we come upon people who say that they have done something that is unforgivable. Openly they state they cannot go into a Church because they are convinced that they do not belong there.
While ministering in Napa I received a phone call from a distressed wife, who was sobbing; her husband was at home from the hospital and not expected to live another month. The wife’s voice was trembling as she explained that they were both divorced before they married. Now her husband was dying and wanted to receive a blessing before he died.
When I visited, he was in a hospital bed in their living room with his wife. Sharing their history included their previous marriages. Both explained terrible previous spouses. They also said they didn’t want to get an annulment because they had children and didn’t want them called bastards by the church. I said no way does the Church call children that. They are a gift from God and truly your children regardless of marital status. They also told me that their divorces were nearly 45 years ago and both previous spouses had died. With tears in his eyes the dying man said, “I used to sneak into Mass sit at the back just to hear the Mass, even though it hurt so much that I could not receive, but sat there in shame.” I asked how long had you been doing this, he said about 38 years!
His wife said many years ago she had wanted to become Catholic so that the two of them would be together in heaven. I said God would never divide you and your love. Then I asked, how would you both like to be married in the Church right here in your living room and have your marriage blessed by the Church. They were in shock. Within 4 days the wife came in providing the necessary paperwork. With permission from the Bishop at the time, two weeks later, we gathered in their home along with the two friends that were at their civil marriage 40 years earlier. We celebrated the nuptial Mass, renewed their vows all the while he was sobbing in his bed. None of us could hold back the tears. His wife sobbed now we are one. He died the following week.
After the funeral, she started coming to weekday Mass and classes, entered the Church and received communion stating that she is united to her husband through God’s mercy.
If we place ourselves in God’s hands, if we seek mercy, then God will raise our heads up from looking down on ourselves. The reality of forgiveness, and the sacrament to receive such divine grace is one of Christ’s gifts to our church. We are all sinners who under the grace of God, Under His Mercy, are being continually raised up to become a Church of Saints. “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted,” the Gospel concludes.
But our work as Christians continues. Another new season is just around the corner Thanksgiving is a month away. Advent is just 4 days after that. Christmas is not that far off. This time of year, many people long for the spiritual connection and want to come home again. They desire to connect with the innocent baby Jesus, the Holy Family. and consider coming back to Church. Many will only come for the day caught up in sentimentality and tradition. But there are many, who will come using Christmas as an opportunity to give the Church, to give our faith/religion, another look. Many may feel very uncomfortable attending Church. They may feel that they don’t belong among such good people, people who worship every week. Take a faith leap. Reach out to them. Invite them to join you at Mass. Let them know that there is no one in the Church who is not totally dependent on the mercy of God including all the clergy.
We cannot comprehend the depth of the love of God. He sees each of us for whom we are, with all the warts and bumps, yes, but also with the love. God sees God in us, our unique reflection of God’s being, God’s image and loves us. God is far more concerned with extending us mercy, with lifting us up, than with our sinfulness.