God, I thank you...

Luke 18:9-14
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."

One of my mentors offered me the following advice many, many years ago: Keep your eyes on Jesus, Pamela. Don't look sideways. Then do what you've got to do.

There is soul saving wisdom in that.

Sometimes when life presents us with either blessings or burdens the temptation arises to compare one's lot with another's. The result can be envy, or a sense of competition. Or we may move into some sort of twisted gratitude like: Lord, I am glad that I am not faced with their problems.

Today's gospel lesson reminds me, again... don't look sideways.

When you pray, look into the mirror...




envision yourself in God's presence, God looking at you in the way that only God can -- seeing even the dark and the light in you that you yourself can't see.

The prayer could be then... Lord have mercy upon me, a sinner. Thank you for loving me in spite of my "self"....

Amen...