October 26, 2025: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 18: 9-14
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.”
It seems to me that life gives us plenty of opportunities to be humbled, and that one of the challenges of life’s humbling experiences is to learn from them. I remember as a young college student getting a summer job once as a typist only to be let go after a short time because I was too slow of a typist! At first I was indignant that I was fired, and it was only after awhile I realized my boss was right and I had no business trying to be a typist. After we get over the initial shock and disbelief of whatever it is that has been humbling for us, can we take a step back and reassess?
One of the positive by-products of failure, or recognizing how little control we have over a situation, or realizing we were wrong, can be to not only acknowledge our limitations, but to also recognize our need for God. To grapple deeply with our flawed human nature can be cause for joy because it is only then that we realize how dependent we are on God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. A humble and contrite heart is a sincere and open heart, open to receive God’s grace, blessings and love. And once we receive God’s love and forgiveness, we can then extend that love and forgiveness to others. A win-win!
thank you!