Luke 18:9–14
Jesus 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
How does the story hit me?
Although I would hate to be the object of people’s contempt,
but can I ask God, if they knew me as he does, they might be right to feel
contempt?