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
Arrogance, greed and bravado have caused so many of our world's problems. We judge and reject others from the outside without getting to know them, thinking ourselves superior and privileged. Lent gives us the freedom to be honest with ourselves, others and our God. We are all mortal, broken and in need of a Savior. Fortunately, Jesus lived, died and lived again so our sins and cruelty will not drown us. Lent offers us a hand us in this season, a step on the road of honesty and dignity and wholeness. May we all live a holy Lent. offering our failings and pride to Jesus, who holds us in his loving arms.
Wondrous Creator, you loved us from the beginning
and you stay with us despite our rejection of you.
Precious Savior, you died for me, be merciful to me, a retched sinner.
We judge, criticize and reject neighbors and strangers
while we are blind to our arrogance, greed and cruelty.
Precious Savior, you died for me, be merciful to me, a retched sinner.
We do not listen with our hearts and with compassion
we look always to compare and to cruelly criticize.
Precious Savior, you died for me, be merciful to me, a retched sinner.
Our dominance and control is our daily obsession
as we try to forget we are completely dependent on you.
Precious Savior, you died for me, be merciful to me, a retched sinner.
Hear our prayer today, dear Lord and forgive us
so that we might turn from all the pain we cause.
Precious Savior, you died for me, be merciful to me, a retched sinner.
Take our hearts and minds and make them yours
and let compassion and love might flow in this world now.
Precious Savior, you died for me, be merciful to me, a retched sinner. Amen.
