Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Reflection:

Jesus tells us a story about two men from 2 very different backgrounds.  The Pharisee was part of the religious leadership and was very much respected by others in society.  In contrast, the tax collector was from a despised profession where many of his cohorts practiced extortion and dishonest tactics.  Even though the Pharisee outwardly appeared to have everything, he actually lacked an essential element in life; and while this tax collector was despised and thought to have nothing, he possessed something very essential- a deep awareness of his own unworthiness and a desperate need for God’s mercy.

This parable reminds us that regardless of our status or perception by others, we are all the same; we are all in need of God’s mercy.  And as we grow in this understanding, we are to live with all of our hearts and lives before our merciful and loving God.

Responding to the Transmission:

As we spend time in prayer today, let’s lay down any false notions of dependence on our own abilities or ourselves.  Instead, let’s humbly come before the Lord seeking His mercy and asking for his strength to go throughout the day.