Sunday Reflections

“Which Person Do You Want to Be?”

In our gospel this Sunday, it is noteworthy to whom the parable is addressed: to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt. Both men enter a place of God’s mercy and hospitality, but only one is open to receiving it. The Pharisee’s concentration is upon himself (rather than upon God)—the Greek literally reads that “He prayed these things with respect to himself”—and upon the failings of others. His prayer serves to keep God informed about how well he is doing compared to everyone else! He has no need for God’s mercy and hospitality; he is doing just fine, thank you very much.

On the other hand, the tax collector prays simply that God be merciful to him a sinner. He stands open to what God most graciously wants to bestow upon us: love and mercy. The message of the parable is simple: Two people came to God’s house to pray, but only one found the hospitality of God’s love and mercy that was there. Which person do you want to be?