"Be merciful to me a sinner"

Today’s readings: Hosea 6:1-6; Luke 18:9-14

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.-Luke 18:11-12

In reading the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, we are usually shocked about how obvious the Pharisee’s behavior is not something we want to model.  But, if we really look at this parable, we will probably see ourselves in the Pharisee.  So many times in life we compare ourselves with other people, and usually it is with the purpose to see how we are better.

I will be honest; I love the fact that throughout my life I don’t really let culture control my big decisions.  And, I find that sometimes in prayer I thank God for that fact.  What makes that prayer different than that of the Pharisee?

I think it all depends on how we are really saying thank you to God.  It seems that Jesus is portraying the Pharisee as believing it is his actions/his power/his ability that allows him to do this…instead of seeing God’s grace helping him to live how he does.  It is all about pride and humility.  The Gospel says that Jesus is telling this parable to those who ‘were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.'  I think it is a warning to us as well...we CAN'T believe it is our own doing, but only through the grace of God are we able to withstand the temptations of the world.

So, what’s the difference between my prayers and that of the Pharisee?  Sadly, sometimes there is no difference.  Sometimes I am prideful about my life and seem to believe that it is my doing. 

Fortunately, I have an amazing foundation that was given to me by my family and friends that has helped me to see just who really helps me to be who I want to be…they have taught me about Christ!  From a young age being taught about trusting God and asking for his help, I have been able to understand more completely that it really isn’t my own strength but God’s strength in me.

To contradict the pride of the Pharisee, we see the attitude of the tax collector.  He shows great strength, confidence, and humility.  He approached God.  He admitted his own weakness.  He begged for God’s mercy.

This is the attitude that we need to have within our heart.  This can only be done in acknowledging that we really are not strong enough to combat Satan.  And, I think that first requires that we acknowledge that Satan is trying to tempt us and convince us that we do not need anyone else…especially God.

It takes more than just saying it.  We must believe it. 

It is a fact that we have free will.  So, the choices we make and actions we do really are things that we are choosing.  But, only if we allow God to share his grace with us and help direct our thoughts, words and actions to Truth will we be able to be truly free. 

Increasing our prayer life helps us to continue that foundation.  In order to let God’s grace explode in our life we have to spend time with him.  As we continue to spend time with the one that loves us beyond our own understanding, our foundation will strengthen so that we are able to acknowledge our NEED for the grace of God.

Let us practice and become more like the tax collector.  Approach the Lord with our whole heart.  Practice recognizing how we have fallen…and be honest to ourselves and God in asking for mercy.  It takes a lot of humility…but we gain an infinite amount of freedom in exchange!