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.”
Luke 19: 9 – 14
To truly embrace the faith and life Jesus has called us to, we must always see ourselves as the repentant tax collector, not in false humility, but recognizing it is impossible to earn redemption. As we turn our face towards the cross, we know that His sacrifice is what allows us to call God our Father. We can never earn His love, but we can receive it, freely given to all repentant sinners who call upon His mercy and forgiveness. While we may strive to live faithfully according to God’s commandments, we must never believe we will earn Heaven; it is a treasure given to us through Jesus’ blood shed on the cross.
Let us pray with St. Gregory:
I believe and bear witness in sound mind, through the insights of my soul
and the visions of my conscience inspired by you,
that for you, doer of good, the prayers of a sinner are more desirable than the petitions of the just. For the first, baring the defeated soul, awaits your grace
and being well acquainted with the limits of human nature, rises up like a stern accuser,
a combatant bent on self-mortification, a bitter critic and prosecutor who sees secrets.
Whereas the second, looking upon his good works, places the hand of confidence on his soul, forgets the limitations of his nature and awaits rewards, rather than mercy.
For that reason, the first is the subject of enumerable accounts trumpeting your mercy,
and the second has been passed over in silence,
O inscrutable, awesome, and all caring Lord!
Heavenly Lord almighty and high, take mercy on me.
For you are the hope of refuge, Lord Jesus Christ,
blessed with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
forever and ever.
Amen
Prayer 59 A, B, C
