We often hear people say that the true measure of a persons character and integrity is how one acts when times are tough, when they are going through a crisis, or when the pressure’s on. People say the same about faith, that when one encounters tough times, how do they react? Do we turn to God, or do we let the bad get the best of us and continue spiral further downward? To an extent, I believe this is true. Our times of trials, after all, are things that God ultimately uses for good, to bring us closer to Him. And it’s in times like these where we really see how strong we are and how much faith we do have.
But I think a better test of a person’s character, and integrity, and faith is how we act when times are good. When everything is going our way, when we feel we are on top of the world, how do we act? I believe that how we act in these times is possibly a more accurate measure of where we are in life, especially spiritually. When things are going well, do you pray as much? Do you spend those extra days going to daily Mass or spending time in Adoration? When everything is going our way, do we take the time to read scripture, say the rosary, and help those who may be in need – either spiritually or physically?
Or do we tend to get prideful, and complacent? Do we start to let our guard down thinking that all things are clicking, that we can relax on our spiritual life, that we do not need God as much right now? How many times do we only turn to God when we are in need of something, and not continue to praise Him for our blessings and good fortune? In these times, do you sometimes feel more righteous than the beggar on the street, and do you start to think like those Pharisees in the Gospel reading today where maybe we tend to start judging?
I think it is in these times of good fortune when we are at our most dangerous point. We let our guard down, and we let our relationship with Christ slack off to the point where if we’re not careful, the forces of the world will sneak up and sucker-punch us. Jesus says in the Gospel today,
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Now I’m not saying that if we have a regular prayer life and continue to have a close relationship with Christ during these good times that no bad things will happen. Of course they will. That’s life, that’s how things are in this world. But if during these less stressful times we continue to stay strong in Christ, and stay humble, and glorify God, then perhaps we’ll be able to better handle those punches that come our way in the future, and maybe even see them coming. Perhaps the blow will not be as bad. This is what Jesus is saying today. That, if we glorify God at all times and remain humble, we will be glorified. But if we glorify ourselves and what we’ve accomplished, and who we’ve become and make it all about us, we will be humbled. And we may not even see it coming.
I think this is one of the toughest things to do. To keep our pride in check. We need to constantly be focused on God, thanking Him for all things in our life. We must have the desire to know His will, learn to recognize His will, and then take action and do it, even when maybe we think things are going well and that we don’t need Him as much. This is our challenge. God wants are love. All the time. He wants our devotion. All the time. God is asking us for this today through Hosea:
“For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
God wants us to seek to know Him, to learn from Him. He wants us to learn how to love, to love everyone, and all things. And He wants us to seek this love and desire it in all that we do, good times and in bad. He doesn’t want us to just say the words and offer sacrifices all while we continue in our sinning ways with anger, resentment and judgment towards our neighbors. He wants us to simply live with a sincere, loving heart, regardless.
And this is really what Jesus is saying today too. The Pharisee was going through the motions and looking down upon others all while putting up a façade, boasting about what all he does. God knew his true thoughts though, and his true motive. And then there was the tax collector. Looked down upon by society. He stands there quiet, humble, desiring mercy.
Both had a lot going good for them. The Pharisee was viewed as a model of spirituality in society. The tax collector was likely doing very well financially. The Pharisee let his pride get to him, glorifying himself, and condemning others. Yet the tax collector knew he was a sinner, and remained humble, and simply asked God for His mercy.
Love God. Glorify Him. All the time. For everything. Remember that everything we accomplish and achieve in our lives is because of Him, because of special graces He sends our way. Be thankful for all that He does and express that to Him. Because it’s during these times where our character, our faith, and our spiritual integrity is grown and strengthened, for those darker times when we need it the most.
