The Justified, Not the Self-Righteous: Sunday Reflection by Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year C
Readings:
1st: Ecclesiasticus 35:12–14,16–18
2nd: 2 Timothy 4:6–8,16–18
Gospel: Luke 18:9–14
Theme: “The justified person is not righteous — he is counted righteous by God.”
God, the Impartial Judge
Peace of the Lord be with you all, beloved brethren in Christ Jesus.
This Sunday’s reflection by Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba reminds us that God is no respecter of persons. He judges with fairness and justice, showing no partiality or bias. God cannot be bribed; He listens to the cry of the poor, defends the widow and the orphan, and exalts the humble while bringing down the proud.
In the first reading, we see the image of a just God who “will not show partiality to the poor man, but listens to the plea of the oppressed.” It is a powerful reminder that our external status — wealth, influence, or religious position — does not influence the verdict of heaven. What matters to God is the sincerity of the heart and the humility of spirit.
Paul’s Triumphant Testimony
In the second reading, St Paul offers a moving testimony to Timothy — one that should challenge every believer. Writing from prison, with his death imminent, Paul looks back not with fear but with fulfilment. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” His confidence lies not in human achievement, but in the righteous judge who will reward him — and all who remain faithful — with the crown of unfading glory.
Akahi News gathered that this passage is more than a farewell; it is a mirror of the Christian life. We are all running our races, and at the end, the real victory is not earthly success but being found faithful before God. Paul’s courage reminds us that faithfulness, not popularity, is what secures eternal reward.
The Pharisee and the Publican: A Lesson in True Humility
In today’s Gospel (Luke 18:9–14), Jesus presents two contrasting figures — a proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector. The Pharisee represents those who trust in their own righteousness. He prays not to God, but to himself, boasting about fasting and tithing while despising others. His confidence is built on pride and comparison.
In contrast, the tax collector — a sinner by reputation — stood at a distance. He felt unworthy to approach God directly, ashamed of his sins and humbled by his failures. He could not even lift his eyes to heaven; instead, he beat his breast repeatedly, pleading for mercy: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
Jesus makes it clear: it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified before God. The justified person is not righteous by his own merit — he is counted righteous by God’s mercy.
The Heart of True Justification
Akahi News learnt that this reflection is a call to self-examination. Pride blinds us to our weaknesses and makes us look down on others. Humility, however, opens the door to grace. The humble heart recognises its insufficiency and depends completely on God.
The justified man or woman may not be perfect, but they are honest before God. They do not pretend to be what they are not. They admit their faults, seek forgiveness, and rely on divine mercy rather than self-made righteousness.
As Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba beautifully puts it, “The justified person is not righteous, but he is counted righteous by God.” This is the heart of salvation — not human effort, but divine grace.
Living the Message
As you step into this new week, let this reflection guide your heart:
- Be humble enough to acknowledge your need for God.
- Treat others with respect, no matter their social or spiritual status.
- Build relationships rooted in care, peace, and gratitude.
Beloved brethren in Christ Jesus, may the good Lord give you the grace of humility and the strength to walk in truth. Remember, “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Peace of the Lord be with you always.
Akahi News – http://www.akahinews.org
Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba’s Message
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30TH SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR C
Readings: 1st Eccle.35:12-14,16-18 2nd 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18 Gospel Lk 18:9-14
Theme: The justified person is not righteous, just He is counted righteous by God.
Reflection: Peace of the Lord be with you all, beloved brethren in Christ Jesus. We are being reminded once more today, that God almighty is no respecter of the status but relate accordingly with each person according to what he/she deserved. God cannot be bribed , He is a just judge. He dispises falsehood. He humbles whoever exalt himself/herself while He exalt , whoever humbles himself/herself. He listen to the cry of the poor person and comes to the aid of widows and orphans. Paul’s words of triumphant testimony to Timothy, encouraged him, to look ahead to the end of his own life and to be able to bear the same testimony. What a challenge to us all : he is accused of insurrection against the Roman government, his death is imminent. His testimony to the truth has been honest, sincere and truthful. And his reward is the crown of unfading glory not only to himself but to all the faithful believers in Christ Jesus the Lord , the righteous judge. In the Gospel, two personalities are presented to us to learn and choose from . The Pharisee, the religionist who is self-centered person for them, they are self- sufficient , they don’t need the help of God nor man. (Is 5:21) For them, they are self-righteous. And they often look down on others . They count others as nothing, as unimportant and insignificant , they think , they are above everybody and better, more important and significant than others . And here is the prayer of a sinner: The sinner stood “at a distance “. He was ashamed and embarrassed by his sins. He felt cut off by God and man . He felt isolated and alone . He felt , he was unworthy of facing God. He did lift his heart , but not his eyes. He beats upon his breast and did it often. Why ? He was disappointed in himself and angry at himself, his heart burst with tears of pleading, begging God to forgive him. He cried for mercy. He was justified not by his actions but through the divine mercy of God. The justified person is not righteous but he is counted righteous by God. Lesson for us ; A humble person knows his in- sufficiency, has respect for others, very appreciative , peaceful, developed caring relationship. Beloved brethren in Christ Jesus, as you step out this new week, may the good Lord give you the grace of humility. Peace of the Lord be with you all.