October 2025 SUPREME CHAPLAIN'S MONTHLY CHALLENGE
SUPREME CHAPLAIN'S CHALLENGE - OCTOBER
“But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’” (Gospel for Oct. 26, Lk 18:13)
The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector relates back to our August monthly challenge about humility. The Pharisee exalts himself before God, extolling his superiority and keeping of the law. Meanwhile, the tax collector prays with humility, seeking mercy for his sins. Our culture stresses the importance of “self-esteem,” but we must also remember that all of us are sinners in need of God’s mercy. We should never approach God in a spirit of pride, but always humbly on our knees — confident of his loving mercy.
Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:
This month, the month dedicated to the holy rosary, I challenge you to pray five decades of the rosary daily, asking God for humility and mercy.
Questions for Reflection:
Have there been times in your life when you pridefully compared yourself to others, like the Pharisee in this parable? Do you perform a regular and careful examination of conscience so as to remain humbly aware of your sinfulness? What other steps can you take to become more like the tax collector in this parable?