Jesus addressed the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to those who believed in their own self-righteousness while holding everyone else in contempt (Lk 18:9). Very few people claim that this parable is addressed to them. Who admits to self-righteousness? Who thinks they hold everyone else in contempt? We act as though this parable applies to no one, when in fact it applies to everyone. We all have a Pharisee lurking deep within us. We think were not so bad compared to others. We thank God were not like the rest of men (Lk 18:11), and we think God owes us a favor after all weve done for Him. Our arrogance is sinful and ridiculous, but were so blinded by sin that weve lost perspective on our lives. In our pride, prayer becomes a mere exercise in self-realization. When we pray, we talk to ourselves and think of our thinking, rather than of God. If we fast, were actually dieting and expressing our will-power and/or vanity. If we tithe or give alms, its not just our left hands that know what our right hands are doing (see Mt 6:3). We give not out of love for Jesus in the poor but to feel good about ourselves and to put salve on our consciences. God is stern with the arrogant but to the humble He shows kindness (1 Pt 5:5). Let us humble ourselves before the Lord.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 13:44:27 +0000