“The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens” (Sirach 35:15-20).

In most settings, we are culturally conditioned to lead with our strengths and hide our weaknesses. In recovery from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, we benefit from leading with our weaknesses so that others can identify with our path toward freedom and our mutual reliance on a Power greater than ourselves. In weakness there is unity and in unity, victory. Taking up our cross each day becomes easier when we travel together. Our judgments of others prevent us from fully knowing God, ourselves, and our fellow brothers and sisters. It can be easier to note what others have done wrong rather than looking inward at our own behavior. We call this taking other peoples’ inventory, which Jesus warns against in this Sunday’s Gospel reading:

“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” (Luke 18:10-14).

God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our strengths, our weaknesses, our fears, and our desires. Humbly accepting ourselves by taking our own inventory and carrying the cross we’ve been given frees us to make spiritual progress and continuous conversion. We are not worthy that He should enter under our roof. However, Christ does not ask us to be worthy; He asks that we follow Him. We can do this together, one day at a time.

Reflection Questions

• Of the practical daily actions suggested by The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which stand out as opportunities for continuous conversion?
• Share an example of a moment where leading with vulnerability contributed to unity and victory.
• How do you keep yourself focused on your own side of the street rather than taking other peoples’ inventory?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Reflection by Scott W.