Praying in humility

Pope John Paul II praying alone at Rabat church, Malta, May 1990.

The parable of the Pharisee and the publican we read in today’s gospel at Mass reminds me of a historic moment that happened in 1990, right here in Malta. Jesus reprimands the Pharisee for praying to just show off, and praises the publican who prays in utmost humility and in private, in the back of the church. And this reminds me of what happened 29 years ago in May 1990, when Pope John Paul was visiting Malta. He had just arrived at the church in Rabat, and he had various commitments earlier, besides a few speeches he had to make, and undoubtedly he was tired. Thousands of people were waiting for him outside for another speech, but when he entered the church it was empty and sat down in one of the pews towards the back. And he stayed there for quite a while, praying alone,  himself and the Lord in the tabernacle. Indirectly he wanted to give a message to those who planned his itinerary and schedule. Yes, there were thousands of people waiting for him in the sun outside, but his priority was to talk with the Lord, in all humility, not on a comfortable chair draped in tapestry, or polished in gold, but on the same pew where Censa and Marinton sit, where Cikku and Peppi follow Mass daily. Pope St John Paul gave us all a lesson that day, in how we should pray, alone with the Lord, in humility.