The Humble

 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.’Luke 18:9-14

The Humble

Everyone knows what she did
and saw how often she fell down
no model for any other person
she sits in prayer asking for strength.

He stands strutting like a winner
although he left his family starving
despite the fact he stole money
and tore the hearts of all who trusted him.

The arrogance of the world surrounds us
competition and winners get the  press
yet the single mom who feeds her little one
prays over leftover food brought home.

The holy one hovers in the alleys
and hears the prayers and tears
raised day and night but the lonely
sent heavenward by the abandoned.

O gifted wealthy and talented
bow down before the one who made you
for gifts are given for the healing of others
grace given for the sharing with the world.

God is present at the soup kitchen table
in the cold night swirling with snow
in the blankets sheltering the homeless
and at the humble tables of the poor.