Jesus 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
Bravado and arrogance seem to be everywhere, and the humble andare bumped out of the picture. In my understanding and the teaching I grew up with, that was childish behavior and needed to be left behind on the play yard. We had a wonderful opportunity last night to visit St. Mary’s Cathedral to witness their Ceilidh, traditional Celtic dances, which was offered as a fund raiser to replace their organ. The dancing requires great humility and cooperation. Arrogance will get you spinning out of the circle, as it moves fast and interdependence is required. We are reminded today that humility is the way we draw close to God and to our fellow travelers.
Wondrous Creator, you place us in community
And teach us how to be humble and kind
So that the circle of community remains whole.
Lord, be merciful to us, and make us your people again.
Too often we go off on our own path alone
Thinking we are carving up a better way
When in fact we are just cutting ourselves off.
Lord, be merciful to us, and make us your people again.
In Jesus you have given us the heart for all
And we are called to join this humble circle.
Lord, be merciful to us, and make us your people again.
We can be foolish children behaving selfishly
Yet you call us to be humble and admit our faults.
Lord, be merciful to us, and make us your people again.
Sometimes our limitations can make us angry
Yet even limited you love us beyond measure.
Lord, be merciful to us, and make us your people again.
Make the wide circle whole again, dear Lord
And make us humble so your love flows through us.
Lord, be merciful to us, and make us your people again. Amen.
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