MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 26 OCTOBER
October 26, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT FRUMENTIUS – 27th OCTOBER
October 27, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
26 OCTOBER, 2025
Luke 18:9-14
Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
“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 everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this parable, Jesus contrasts the proud Pharisee and the humble tax collector. The Pharisee boasts of his righteousness and looks down on others, while the tax collector, aware of his sinfulness, humbly pleads for mercy. Jesus declares that the humble man goes home justified, teaching us that true righteousness is not found in our outward deeds or comparisons with others, but in a heart that acknowledges its need for God’s grace. God resists the proud but lifts up the humble, for humility opens the door to His mercy.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You see beyond our words and actions to the posture of our hearts. Forgive us for the times we have trusted in our own goodness or judged others. Grant us the grace to approach You with humility and truth, acknowledging our need for Your mercy every day. May our prayers rise from sincere repentance, and may we live justified before You through Your love and grace. Amen
