Right Attitude in the Presence of God
When I enter the holy temple of the Lord, I will imagine [that] I am the publican mentioned in the Gospel. Imitating him I will ask pardon for my sins. (OOCC, X, p. 48; STA, 219)
God is the ultimate source of our existence. He is the beginning and end of our life. It is on him that we depend for everything in our life. Hence, Jesus said: “Apart from me you can’t do a thing” (Jn. 15:5). Since God is the foundation of our life, it is important that we acquire the proper attitude with which we can approach his presence. The type of attitude we need to unlearn is the attitude of the Pharisees. The pharisaic attitude, in fact, does not acknowledge the greatness of God, but rather proclaims one’s own greatness and achievement. In the gospel story of the Pharisee and the Publican, the prayer of the Pharisee is not a praise of God, but a self-praise. In his prayer, the Pharisee condemns the life and personality of the publican, declares the various evil actions he avoids and the good activities he performs. But he does not say a word in God’s praise. Even the gratitude expressed in his prayer is pointing to him rather than to God. But the publican, in all humility and simplicity, does not consider himself worthy to stand in the presence of God. He acknowledges his sinfulness and announces his need for God. In doing so, he stands justified before God. St. Vincent Pallotti lived the attitude of the Publican whenever he encountered the presence of God.
What is my attitude as I stand before the presence of God? Am I like the Pharisee and stand in self-praise in the presence of God? Am I like the Publican and stand in praise of God in his presence? How do I pray? Do I announce my achievements or proclaim the greatness of God in my prayer?
But the corrupt tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed, but beat his chest in sorrow, exclaiming: “God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Lk. 18:13)