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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.’


Reflection

Talk about a cautionary tale for those of us who engage in Lenten disciplines!


Throughout the history of Lent, all too many Christians have been like the Pharisee, taking pride in the virtue they show by giving up or taking on something to mark the season, giving thanks that they are not like others who don’t have such discipline. It’s a temptation to which we can all too easily succumb.


However we observe Lent, we should never lose sight of why we do so: to focus on our need and desire to draw closer to God, to clear the decks so we can be honest with ourselves about those things that are distracting us from our relationship with the one who made us, to ready ourselves for Easter.

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