Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
The Word of God
Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9-14
Reflection:
Our parable today is from Luke 18:9-14 telling us again about the parable of two worshippers. The other worshipper is a Pharisee while the other one a tax collector. Both men prayed but who do you think will God showed mercy? Will it be the Pharisee or the tax collector?
Luke 18:9-14 reminds us that in this life, we may feel righteous all the time. There are many people who think and believe that they are righteous enough and that they secure heaven. Well, it does not play like that all along for God will show mercy to those who repent and ask for forgiveness.
In Luke 18:9-14, the Pharisee boast of hi religious and moral observance and that he is one of the faithful ones. On the other side is the tax collector who is shy and repentant of his sinfulness. He knows that he has done wrong and that he is there to ask for forgiveness.
Now, who do you of the two god will favor in Luke 18:9-14? Of course, God sees the heart of the one who repented his sins and forgives him right away. So what is the real lesson in this parable?
Luke 18:9-14 is reminding us that we are all sinners regardless of our work and status in life. Nobody is perfect and we all commit sins others may not know. We all commit grave sins but God will always show His mercy if we are repentant.
No matter how big your sins are. if your heart is pure in your intent to repent your sins, you got the chance to forgiveness. God is a fair judge and He won’t forsake His people. He knew how to handle every sinner in a fair way.
If you are a good Christian right now, don’t be boastful and instead help others while you can. There is no need to remind God of your good deeds for He is watching us over in heaven. Do what you can do and be humble. – Clea | Helpline PH
