The Heart of Lenten Prayer

The readings for this homily

Father Anthony Gramlich, MIC, teaches that the Lenten journey begins with prayer, the foundation for all spiritual growth. Prayer is conversation with God, opening the heart to the Lord. Even five seconds to make the Sign of the Cross and offer thanks is sufficient. Time is the greatest gift God gives, and there is no excuse for neglecting prayer.

Father Anthony distinguishes between quantity and quality of prayer. One prayer from the heart surpasses many from the lips. The Holy Spirit guides authentic prayer, praying through and with believers. Before praying, invoke the Holy Spirit to overcome distraction and focus the mind.

Jesus presents two examples of prayer in the Gospel. The Pharisee represents how NOT TO pray. Though knowledgeable of the 613 commandments and scrupulous in observance, his prayer centered on himself. He thanked God he was not like others — greedy, dishonest, adulterers. His fasting, almsgiving, and prayer led to pride and judgment of others. Success in Lenten practices can breed arrogance if the heart remains unexamined.

The tax collector exemplifies how TO pray. Ostracized by society for collaborating with Rome and enriching himself, he stood at a distance, eyes downcast, beating his breast. His prayer was simple: "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner." Directed toward God rather than himself, it embodied humility. He acknowledged his creature-hood, confessed his sinfulness, and pleaded for mercy.

Father Anthony notes this prayer appears at Mass's beginning and before Holy Communion. We call on the Lamb of God, acknowledging unworthiness. God makes us worthy, not ourselves. Two groups fail to pray properly: those claiming no sin, blinded by pride, and those fearing God's justice without trusting His mercy.

The tax collector recognized his sin yet trusted God's unlimited mercy. Jesus declared him justified. The moral proverb applies: everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted. Lent's purpose is humility. Whether succeeding or failing in Lenten practices, all roads lead to the cross.

Salvation comes through Jesus on the cross, not human effort. Only at the foot of the cross, humbled like Mary and the disciples, do we find salvation. The resurrection follows the cross. The seed must die in the ground to rise. Lent takes believers through darkness and cold to the tomb with Christ, so they may rise with Him on the third day.