Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint 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.”
Those Who Consider Themselves Righteous
1. They went up. It can be really difficult when pride starts to take over, when you get a big head or try to pretend you’re something you’re not. It’s interesting to notice how some people always seem to be proving themselves, sometimes even making others feel they’re in the presence of someone “important.” Many of us have witnessed many examples of genuine humility—even in people like Scaloni (I’ll admit I’m a big soccer fan, and Scaloni is the coach of the Argentinian soccer team). The most important thing is recognizing that everyone has the same dignity as you do. For example, when you sit down with someone, help them feel at ease and let them do most of the talking.
2. He prayed. Sometimes we treat God more like our co-pilot than the pilot of our lives. We make our plans and decisions, and then just tell God, “Okay, now help me out.”. True prayer means having a real conversation with God and learning to make decisions with Him, not just bringing Him along for the ride. Life is meant to be built together with God, not just asking Him to support our choices.
3. The tax collector. He is a model of humility and simplicity. It’s about surrendering yourself to God and trusting Him as you move forward. Don’t let your achievements inflate your ego. Instead, do what’s right, knowing God is the only one who needs to see. Place yourself in His hands and trust that things will work out. Surrendering to God is an act of humility; praying before you act is confidence, showing your trust in Him.
Remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you and guard you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
