The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 18:9-14

Dad’s commentary

This week’s gospel from Luke 18 reminds me once again that how we approach God with our prayer matters. It is right to give thanks to God for everything we have, and everything we are. But humility is important.

As C.S. Lewis succinctly reminds us, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking less of yourself.”. Many believe that humility means putting oneself down or making oneself out to be less than who they truly are or lacking in confidence, sheepish. I think that humility is taking stock of oneself and speaking honestly about oneself.

We cannot be good at everything. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that God’s gifts are given according to one’s needs. When we need wisdom, and we petition God through meditative and reverent prayer, we receive it, if and when God believes we need to have it for the common good. Humility asks that we recognize the gifts that we have received and those that we have not, being grateful for both in any case, because to be included in God’s plan is itself a blessing.

You, kids, are one of many blessings in my life and a responsibility that I love and take very seriously. I pray for those who have tried and have not been blessed with children because as they say, there but for the grace of God, go I.

I counsel you to look at your own lives with humility and you will see the gifts that you have received, too. Do not forget where these gifts come from and be grateful, and above all have Faith that God will provide for you when you truly need it – but always based on His will, His plan, His decision.