Reading: Luke 18:9-14

Luke 18:14 – “All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.”

In this familiar parable, two men come to the temple to pray. Each man is known by his vocation: a Pharisee and a tax collector. Just as many jobs do today, these job titles conveyed certain stereotypes. The first to pray was highly esteemed, a devout man who walked closely with God. The second to pray was universally looked down upon, a traitor and a sinner. Their vocation and what was associated with that role is all that we know about either man – until they speak. This reveals their hearts.

The Pharisee stands front and center and prays about himself. He first reminds God of how righteous he is, comparing himself to others that the Jews would clearly see as sinners. Then he reminds God of how he follows the Law to the letter. Note how many times he uses “I” in his prayer to God.

The tax collector is clearly aware of how others see him. He stands far off, head bowed low. He beats his chest, a sign of his deep desire to draw near to God. His prayer is simple: “God, show mercy to me, a sinner.” The tax collector knows that the power to save him is not in his hands – it is in God’s. He admits his need for God’s help. Jesus identifies this one as the man who goes home made right with God.

The parable closes with this summary: “All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.” Pride, ego, boasting? These have no place in God’s kingdom or in God’s presence. Humility, surrender, the desire for relationship? These draw us to the table of grace and mercy – the place where relationship begins and the place where God begins to raise us to true life.

Prayer: Lord God, knower of all things, keep us honest before you. Giver of all things, place in our hearts a humility that identifies our need for you, opening the way for entry into your presence. Maker of all things, draw us into your mercy and grace, making us new again. Lover of all things, form us into who and what you created us to be: love and light in the world. Amen.