Today's Gospel, according to Luke.
Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.
Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a publican (tax collector). The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, "O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men, greedy, dishonest, adulterous, or even like this publican. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income."
But the publican 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."
Amen I say to you, the latter went home justified, not the former. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
The reason I posted this today... well, all week I've seen opinions, discertations and judgments of those who think differently than we think, about abortion, health care, politics. I myself am guilty of this. I'm sure I'm not alone. But if you interpret a law, a sentence, or the Bible differently, it doesn't mean you're always right and the other person is wrong. Not our job to judge since we are not God.
It is my hope that every one of us can take something from this reading, whether you put yourself in the eyes of the Pharisee who thinks they're better than anyone else, or the tax collector who was the picture of humility. We have all been guilty of the first, and hopefully can examine ourselves enough to take the role of the publican...
This has always been one of my favorite Gospel readings... among others, the Prodigal Son, the Centurion's Servant, and on very top of the list, the appearance of Jesus to (doubting) St. Thomas the Apostle. That's because I'm one of the world's biggest cynics and hardest sells. If you don't recall these Gospels or are unfamiliar, just Google them. It might prompt you to read a little Gospel.
It may not help... but it sure as hell can't hurt.
On another note... this week our family lost two members, both young and quite suddenly. Their families won't come out of the shock of the loss for a long time. That's another lesson... don't put stuff off. Make sure your family and friends know you love them. SAY it, MEAN it, SHOW it.
I know this is pretty uncharacteristic of one of my posts since there is no warning about being offended. If you're offended by the Gospel... I just don't know what to say.
Have a good day... Do something kind. Pay someone's tab. Make someone smile.
