The parable of the the Pharisee and the publican shows us the importance of looking at ourselves in the light of God. This requires two important virtues, sincerity and humility. The July recollection will focus on our fight against the sin of pride, both when dealing with God and when dealing with others. We will also deal with another byproduct of sincerity and humility, namely unity of life: unity between work and prayer (we are both Martha and Mary) and the right balance between family and work.
1. The tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Lk 18:13). What interior attitude do I have when addressing the Lord? Do I foster my love-sorrow and thanksgiving?
2. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men" (Lk 18:11). Does knowledge of God and of myself lead me to see others with understanding and without an attitude of superiority? Do I try to learn from everyone — above all from my spouse, my children, and those closest to me?
3. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted (Lk 18:14). When I stand in God's presence and acknowledge the truth about myself, do I remember that God's mercy cures my faults and strengthens the one who is weakest?
4. St Josemaría, when contemplating the life of Martha and Mary, taught us: Let us work. Let us work a lot and work well, without forgetting that prayer is our best weapon. That is why I will never tire of repeating that we have to be contemplative souls in the middle of the world, who try to convert their work into prayer (Furrow, 497). Am I trying to live like both Martha and Mary?
5. How far is my day-to-day life — my work, my thoughts, my character, my deeds and so on — consistent with my faith?
6. Is my family my priority? Do I often talk to my spouse in order to find ways of combining our work with our dedication to our family?
7. Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2). Do I find help to live the today, now! in the thought that it is in the present moment that the Lord is awaiting me?