Humility

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

Jesus was always telling stories. And the parables he told always found traction for the people he told, since they repeated them, wrote them down and saved them for us today. Humility is a challenging subject today since our world is focused on stardom, twenty minutes of fame, and reality stars. Yet we are invited to truly seek another path, humility. Honest assessment of ourselves and without judging others. As the song says, 'what a wonderful world that would be!"

When I was in fifth grade, our class took a field trip to New York City. We saw the sights and were even treated to a helicopter ride at the end. We stopped and toured the famous New York City Public Library. When leaving, as our teacher was organizing us, I stepped back, and proceeded to fall down all of the steps of the library, in front of my whole class. I was not hurt but mortified. We all hate to be humbled, yet the truth is we are all broken and imperfect people. When we can admit that, we are on the right road.

Gracious Creator, we are made in your image

we humans are your wanted and beloved children

adored in our complete and fragile humanity

called family by you despite our warring hearts.

We rush to judge others and fail to see ourselves

we laugh and point and the very different ones

we privately revel in not being like them

and yet, we are your image, every single one.

Help us to set aside all judgement today

make us always ready to examine ourselves

heal us from our vanity and our pride

so we might humbly serve in your name. Amen.