Gospel: Luke 18: 9-14
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 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 humanity — greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 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.’ I tell 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.”
- justify (justified): to declare innocent or guiltless; uphold as well-grounded; to judge or regard as righteous and worthy of salvation.
- Do I pray as if I am already innocent? Or do I place myself before God as I am, in need of salvation? Do I realize that in justifying myself and not recognizing the forgiveness I need, I close myself off to God's mercy?
- humble (humbled): not proud or arrogant; modest; insignificant.
- Would I rather humble myself, or be humbled? Do I know that humility is closely related to truth - so it is to recognize my weaknesses, but also my strengths and gifts?
- exalted: to raise in rank, honor, character; to elevate by praise or in estimation.
- Does it come natural to me to exalt myself? Do I try to give God, and others esteem? When I am complimented, do I gracefully accept?
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