Week 3 – Thursday 24 March

‘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!”’

Reading

Luke 18.9-14

He 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.’

Reflection

Luke 18 contrasts those who think they know how to be good with those who do not. The Pharisee prides himself on his practice of justice – giving money away, fasting. All good things, but he practises these as a way to make himself worthy, rather than as a response to God’s grace. When justice leads to pride and superiority, it excludes and diminishes others.

The tax-collector knows himself to be unjust, in need of God: his pursuit of justice can make space for others, equally inadequate and needing God. He belongs to a fellowship of grace, within which all others are invited. The Pharisee sees himself as part of a select fellowship of striving and purity from which those who do not measure up are excluded and treated as less worthy. How can we pursue justice in ways that makes space for all at the table?

Prayer

Gracious God, we thank you that you take our feeble efforts and transform them in your mercy; help us work together as a fellowship of grace to see justice bloom among us. Amen.

Today’s family challenge

Make a list of people who keep your home, school or church going

Think about the people who help in our daily lives – cleaning, delivering food, collecting waste.