Year 33 No.

17 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time/ Prison Awareness Sunday (C) — Green October 27, 2019

Humility in Prayer Parables often turn upside down the

expectations of their original hearers,
and this is true for this Sunday’s par-
able. If we today are not shocked by
the portrayal of the characters, it is
because we have been conditioned
to see Pharisees as hypocrites, and we
know almost nothing about the senti-
ments of first-century Jews toward tax
collectors. For us, the tax collector is
the protagonist and the Pharisee the
villain. But in the parable’s original
context, Pharisees were respected
teachers who tried to lead the people
to covenant-faithfulness. Instead, tax
collectors were collaborators of the
Roman oppressors and were despised

P arables are not only pious stories

that intend to make a single point.
Rather, they are wisdom-tales that
Luke’s presentation of the intend-
ed hearers of Jesus (v. 9) has shaped
the most common and popular read-
as traitors by fellow Jews. In reversing
the expectations of his hearers, Jesus
implicitly invited them, and invites
are meant to provoke us, to confront ing of this parable. The Pharisee is us now, to go beyond appearance, to
or even accuse us, in the same way seen as fitting the description of search the depths of things, and to
that the prophet Nathan’s parable “those who were convinced of their connect with one’s interior, in order
brought King David face to face with own righteousness and despised ev- to live authentically. We do not have
his guilt (cf. 2 Sm 12:1-9). Jesus did eryone else.” What feelings does the to take the side of one character
not mean to portray the characters character of the Pharisee evoke in us? and oppose the other. We can draw
of his parables as stereotypes of pro- Does he remind us of real-life people? precious lessons by looking deeply
tagonists and villains, although often Once we begin judging the Pharisee into both characters. The Pharisee
enough they are read and preached and the way he degrades the tax col- overlooks the fundamental truth that
about as such. Instead, the various lector, and once we begin associating God alone can bestow on a person
personages featured in the parables his behavior with real-life people the status of righteousness. And
are held up to us like mirrors into whom we know, then we ourselves God does not need a litany of quali-
which we can peer and see aspects are caught in the trap—we have acted fications, for God looks at the heart
of ourselves. Thus, we do not end exactly like the Pharisee. And if we are and judges. Thus, one’s confidence
up finger-pointing at anyone, as we honest enough, we will recognize that must rest in God alone. As to the tax
may be tempted to do when we read the same dark tendencies to judge collector, his contrition is no doubt
about the character of the Pharisee. and belittle others lurk within us. authentic. But it leaves us with one
Instead, seeing our own weaknesses Situating the parables in their nagging question: if his occupation
portrayed by the characters, we are first-century context can greatly becomes the number one occasion
drawn to bow our heads, beat our enhance our understanding of them of sin for him, would contrition suf-
breasts, and with the tax collector, and steer us clear of the prejudices fice in living an authentic Gospel life?
raise to God a prayer from the heart, that have colored their reading and
“O God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” interpretation in the course of history. -Sr. Bernardita Dianzon, FSP

Pastoral Catechesis for the Role Models for Young People

Year of the Youth — Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM

In his personal letter to the youth (Christus Vivit) Pope Francis recalls that “the Church is full of young saints
who devoted their lives to Christ.” Indeed, “many young saints have allowed the features of youth to shine
forth in all their beauty, and in their day they have been real prophets of change. Their example shows
what young people are capable of, when they open themselves up to encounter Christ” (n. 49).
“Through the holiness of the young, the Church can renew her spiritual ardor and her apostolic vigor. The
balm of holiness generated by the good lives of so many people can heal the wounds of the Church and
of the world, bring us back to that fullness of love” (n. 50).
Pope Francis highlights several young saints, including Saint Francis of Assisi, who “heard Jesus’ call to
become poor like him and to rebuild the Church by his witness” (n. 52). Saint Joan of Arc “was a young
peasant girl who, despite her tender years, fought to defend France from invaders” (n. 53). In conclusion,
Francis reminds young people that while these are models of holiness, each young person is different and
called to his or her own path to holiness.
 brothers and sisters, to pray for The Lord is not deaf to the
INTRODUCTORY RITES me to the Lord our God. wail of the orphan, nor to
Entrance Antiphon the widow when she pours
P — May almighty God have
(Ps 105 (104):3-4) out her complaint. The one
mercy on us, forgive us our sins,
(Recited when there is no opening song) who serves God willingly is
and bring us to everlasting life.
heard; his petition reaches
Let the hearts that seek the All — Amen.
the heavens. The prayer of
Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord the lowly pierces the clouds; it
and his strength; constantly Gloria
does not rest till it reaches its
seek his face. All — Glory to God in the goal, nor will it withdraw till the
highest, and on earth peace to Most High responds, judges
Greeting people of good will. We praise
(The sign of the cross is made here) justly, and affirms the right,
you, we bless you, we adore and the Lord will not delay.
P — The grace of our Lord you, we glorify you, we give
Jesus Christ, and the love of you thanks for your great glory, — The word of the Lord.
God, and the communion of Lord God, heavenly King, O All — Thanks be to God.
the Holy Spirit be with you all. God, almighty Father. Lord
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 34)
All — And with your spirit. Jesus Christ, Only Begotten
Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, R — The Lord hears the cry of
Introduction Son of the Father, you take the poor.
(The priest addresses the assembly with away the sins of the world, have
these or other similar words) mercy on us; you take away the
sins of the world, receive our
P — Dear sisters and brothers: prayer; you are seated at the
God dwells in hearts emptied right hand of the Father, have
of selfishness and pride. When mercy on us. For you alone are
we include our neighbors in the Holy One, you alone are the
our prayers, let our intention Lord, you alone are the Most
be for their well-being and High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy
welfare. Prayer should be free Spirit, in the glory of God the 1. I will bless the Lord at all
from boasting and pretension. Father. Amen. times;/ his praise shall be ever
Before God, we should learn in my mouth./ Let my soul
to strike our breasts and Collect glory in the Lord;/ the lowly
recognize that we, like other
P — Let us pray. (Pause) will hear me and be glad. (R)
people, are in need of his
mercy and compassion. Almighty ever-living God,
increase our faith, hope, and 2. The L ord confronts the
Today the Church in the evildoers,/ to destroy
Philippines celebrates Prison charity, and make us love what
you command, so that we may remembrance of them from
Awareness Sunday, we include the earth./ When the just cry
in our prayers the people merit what you promise.
Through our Lord Jesus out, the L ord hears them,/
behind prison bars, who need and from all their distress he
to experience God’s love, Christ, your Son, who lives and
reigns with you in the unity of rescues them. (R)
mercy, and compassion. They
the Holy Spirit, one God, for
are our brothers and sisters 3. The L ord is close to the
whom God wants us to visit, ever and ever. brokenhearted;/ and those
understand, and sustain in All — Amen. who are crushed in spirit he
hope. saves./ The Lord redeems the
THE LITURGY OF lives of his servants;/ no one
Penitential Act THE WORD incurs guilt who takes refuge
P — Brethren (brothers and First Reading (Sir 35:12-14, 16-18) in him. (R)
sisters), let us acknowledge (Sit)
our sins, and so prepare Second Reading
People may turn a deaf ear to (2 Tm 4:6-8,16-18)
ourselves to celebrate the the cries of the poor and the
sacred mysteries. (Pause) weak, but not God. Sirach tells Paul is in prison and anticipates
All — I confess to almighty us that the prayer of the lowly his death, but he faces his
God and to you, my brothers pierces the clouds and goes martyrdom as the crowning of
and sisters, that I have greatly straight to God. his struggles for the Lord and
sinned, in my thoughts and in for the Gospel.
my words, in what I have done A reading from the Book of
and in what I have failed to Sirach A reading from the second
do, (strike your breast) through Letter of Paul to Timothy
my fault, through my fault, THE Lord is a God of justice,
through my most grievous who knows no favorites.
fault; therefore I ask blessed Though not unduly partial BELOVED: I am already being
Mar y ever-Virgin, all the toward the weak, yet he hears poured out like a libation, and
Angels and Saints, and you, my the cry of the oppressed. the time of my departure is at
hand. I have competed well; I former; for whoever exalts C — That the Church—the
have finished the race; I have himself will be humbled, and People of God—may put away
kept the faith. From now on the one who humbles himself all self-righteousness, and be
the crown of righteousness will be exalted.” a sacrament of God’s mercy to
awaits me, which the Lord, the wayward and the lost, we
— The Gospel of the Lord.
the just judge, will award to pray: (R)
All — Praise to you, Lord Jesus
me on that day, and not only C — That our government,
Christ.
to me, but to all who have civil, and religious leaders may
longed for his appearance. Homily (Sit) attend to the needs of the poor
At my first defense no one Profession of Faith (Stand) by providing opportunities for
appeared on my behalf, but employment or livelihood and
everyone deserted me. May All — I believe in one God, helping them to be self-reliant,
it not be held against them! the Father almighty, maker of we pray: (R)
But the Lord stood by me heaven and earth, of all things
visible and invisible. C — That those in prison may
and gave me strength, so that
I believe in one Lord Jesus not lose hope, and instead
through me the proclamation
Christ, the Only Begotten Son look forward to freedom
might be completed and all
of God, born of the Father and integration with the
the Gentiles might hear it.
before all ages. God from God, community where they can
And I was rescued from the
Light from Light, true God rebuild their lives, we pray: (R)
lion’s mouth. The Lord will
rescue me from every evil from true God, begotten, not C — That members of the
threat and will bring me safe made, consubstantial with the police, prosecutors, judges,
to his heavenly kingdom. To Father; through him all things and correctional officers may
him be glory forever and ever. were made. For us men and for be faithful to their call to
Amen. our salvation he came down render justice and maintain
from heaven, peace in our society, we pray:
— The word of the Lord. (At the words that follow, up to and (R)
All — Thanks be to God. including and became man, all bow) C — That those unjustly
and by the Holy Spirit was condemned and imprisoned
Alleluia [2 Cor 5:19] (Stand) incarnate of the Virgin Mary, may soon be freed and their
and became man. good names restored; that
All — Alleluia, alleluia! God For our sake he was cruci­ the human dignity of prisoners
was reconciling the world fied under Pontius Pilate, he may be respected at all times,
to himself in Christ, and suffered death and was buried, we pray: (R)
entrusting to us the message and rose again on the third
of salvation. Alleluia, alleluia! day in accordance with the C — That those who mourn
Scriptures. He ascended into the passing of their loved
Gospel (Lk 18:9-14) heaven and is seated at the ones may be comforted by
right hand of the Father. He the thought of seeing them
P — A reading from the holy s o m e d a y i n t h e F a t h e r ’s
will come again in glory to
Gospel according to Luke kingdom, we pray: (R)
judge the living and the dead
All — Glory to you, O Lord.
and his kingdom will have no C — Let us pray for the urgent
end. concerns of our community
JESUS addressed this parable I believe in the Holy Spirit, and our personal intentions
to those who were convinced the Lord, the giver of life, who (pause), we pray: (R)
of their own righteousness proceeds from the Father and
and despised everyone else. P — Listen to our petitions,
the Son, who with the Father
“Two people went up to the Lord. Open our eyes to the
and the Son is adored and
temple area to pray; one was glorified, who has spoken needs of our brothers and
a Pharisee and the other was through the prophets. sisters, especially those in
a tax collector. The Pharisee I b e l i eve i n o n e, h o l y, prison, and those imprisoned
took up his position and spoke catholic, and apostolic Church. by their weaknesses and fears.
this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I confess one Baptism for the We ask this through Christ
I thank you that I am not like forgiveness of sins and I look
the rest of humanity—greedy, our Lord.
forward to the resurrection
dishonest, adulterous—or All — Amen.
of the dead and the life of the
even like this tax collector. I fast
twice a week, and I pay tithes
world to come. Amen. THE LITURGY OF
on my whole income.’But the Prayer of the Faithful THE EUCHARIST
tax collector stood off at a Presentation of the Gifts
P — The Lord is close to the (Stand)
distance and would not even lowly, the prisoners, and the
raise his eyes to heaven but brokenhearted. With humility P — Pray, brethren…
beat his breast and prayed, All — May the Lord accept the
of heart, let us now present our sacrifice at your hands for the
‘O God, be merciful to me a petitions to God, as we pray: praise and glory of his name,
sinner.’ I tell you, the latter for our good and the good of
went home justified, not the R — Lord, hear our prayer. all his holy Church.
Prayer over the Offerings
P — Look, we pray, O Lord,
on the offerings we make to
your majesty, that whatever
is done by us in your service
may be directed above all to
your glory.
Through Christ our Lord.
All — Amen.
Preface (Ordinary Time II)
P — The Lord be with you.
All — And with your spirit.
P — Lift up your hearts.
All — We lift them up to the
Lord.
P — Let us give thanks to the
Lord our God.
All — It is right and just.

P — It is truly right and just,

our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give
you thanks, Lord, holy Father,
almighty and eternal God,
through Christ our Lord.
For out of compassion for All — Amen.
the waywardness that is ours, P — Behold the Lamb of God,
behold him who takes away
he humbled himself and was the sins of the world. Blessed P — May he nourish you always
born of the Virgin; by the are those called to the supper with the teachings of the faith
passion of the Cross he freed of the Lamb. and make you persevere in
us from unending death, and All — Lord, I am not worthy holy deeds.
by rising from the dead he that you should enter under All — Amen.
gave us life eternal. my roof, but only say the word
and my soul shall be healed. P — May he turn your steps
And so, with Angels and
Archangels, with Thrones and towards himself and show you
Communion Antiphon the path of charity and peace.
Dominions, and with all the (Ps 20 (19):6)
hosts and Powers of heaven, All — Amen.
we sing the hymn of your glory, We will ring out our joy at your P — And may the blessing of
as without end we acclaim: saving help and exult in the almighty God, the Father, and
All — Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, name of our God. the Son, (†) and the Holy Spirit,
God of hosts. Heaven and come down on you and remain
earth are full of your glory. Ho- Prayer after Communion
(Stand) with you for ever.
sanna in the highest. Blessed is All — Amen.
he who comes in the name of P — Let us pray. (Pause)
the Lord. Hosanna in the high- May your Sacraments, O Dismissal
est. (Kneel) Lord, we pray, perfect in us
what lies within them, that P — Go in peace, glorifying
Acclamation (Stand)
what we now celebrate in the Lord by your life.
All — When we eat this bread, signs we may one day possess All — Thanks be to God.
and drink this cup, we proclaim in truth.
your Death, O Lord, until you Through Christ our Lord.
come again.
COMMUNION RITE
All — Amen.
CONCLUDING RITE
erratum
The Lord’s Prayer
P — The Lord be with you. The Sambuhay Team
All — Our Father… All — And with your spirit.
P — Deliver us, Lord… sincerely apologizes for the
All — For the kingdom, the Solemn Blessing errors printed in the issues
power, and the glory are yours dated September 15, 2019 to
now and for ever. P — Bow your heads and pray October 6, 2019. We hope and
for God’s blessing. (Pause) pray for your understanding
Invitation to Peace May almighty God bless and continuous support.
Invitation to Communion you in his kindness and pour
(Kneel) out saving wisdom upon you.