|
Lk. 18:9-14 
H ave you heard of the story about the proud donkey on which Jesus rode? As Jesus entered Jerusalem to triumphant shouts, the donkey was grinning from ear to ear, very much pleased, thinking that all the accolades were being given to him.
We are like that donkey many times in our life. We all have the tendency to feel self-righteous. For all have seen and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).
The difference between the Pharisee and the tax collector in today's Gospel is a repentant heart. The former thought he could please God with his religious offerings, like tithes and fasting. But the Lord was far more pleased with the tax collector, a self-confessed sinner for which he came to the Lord's altar to seek His mercy.
When we think we re sinless, that's when we become sinful. Pride is the deadliest of the seven capital sins. It was this that caused the fall of many, not the least Lucifer who thought himself equal with God.
That attitude is hurting too to our neighbors when we judge them as being worse off than ourselves. But see, we re all standing in the same gallery, awaiting God's judgment on all sins we know or don't, sins we recognize or not.
Be not like the donkey that felt holier than thou for his association with God, but rather always be aware of our sinfulness and our need for God's loving forgiveness.
Prayer:
Father, we humbly seek Your mercy. In Your compassion, erase our every sin, especially the spiritual pride that separates us from You. For we are sinful people, always in need of Your grace and mercy. Amen. |
