Reflection On Luke 18: 9-14

The scripture gives us a challenge to look into the way we pray. It prompts us to look more deeply into our hearts and examine our motivations in prayer as well as our attitude towards others. Isn’t it true that in prayer, we relate with God in the same way we relate with others? If we are egoistic in our attitude, we bring this same egoism with us even in prayer. If we are self-righteous in our relationship with others, we bring the same self- righteousness with us in prayer. Like the Pharisee, we might think that we are thanking God but actually our focus is not God, but ourselves. There is a very subtle distinction between spiritual pride and true humility.
Luke alone tells the parable contrasting the self- righteous Pharisee with the humble tax collector. The characters are, of course, stereo-typed as is the case in most parables, to make a point clearly and dramatically. The underlying and unstated question being addressed here is: How is a person saved? Do we attain salvation by strictly observing the external laws of religion, or by believing in God’s eternal love and mercy?  Here the Pharisee was law- centered. He fasted two days a week   Monday and Thursday, even from water. He also tithed his income to the Lord. If one fasts two days each week, that’s 29% of his time fasting. The Pharisee does not see himself as God’s servant in humility, but since he does his “duties”, God “must” be pleased and love him very much. In a sense, God becomes his servant, for he pays his generous dues to him for this purpose 10% of his money and 29% of his time. Whereas the tax collector, on the other hand, knows he is unable to save himself by anything that he might do. And he understands that he cannot command God’s love what can he do, then? Beg for mercy?  He prays with the helpless and dependency of a little child. God truly loves this trusting tax collector for this and sends him home – a justified man. Everything in most we require is: a humble and contrite heart.
Questions to ponder:
What is my attitude towards the Almighty?
What is a requirement to please God?
What either a sacrifice or a humble heart makes meaningful?
Does self- righteousness help you grow?


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