In today’s Gospel lesson (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus uses a parable to teach his followers. This story focuses on two familiar figures in the society of Jesus’ time: a Pharisee, a respected person who strives to preserve the laws governing human behavior, and a tax collector, usually despised person because of the burdens imposed on people and, quite often, unfair practices. In the parable, we see the two men offering prayers. The Pharisee gives thanks because he is better than other people. The tax collector acknowledges his sinfulness before God and asks for mercy.
Parables are wonderful teaching tools. Because they present ordinary people, we are drawn into them. We see aspects of ourselves reflected in the characters. Both of the characters in this story demonstrate our own humanness. The desire to feel good about ourselves, often by comparing ourselves to others. We live in a society that encourages us to make such comparisons. Advertising urges us to buy products that will make us “better” than others. And then there is the other part of ourselves. The honesty that admits our tendency to selfishness, to moving away from God.
Each time we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we have the opportunity to confess our sins. To recognize the Pharisee and the tax collector in ourselves. To be forgiven and reconciled with God once again. That is good news indeed!
Peace,
Deacon Sue
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