Luke 18:9-14 NRSVue
9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The 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. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14I 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.”
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Reflection on Luke 18:9-14
Inspiration from 2026-03-14 Daily Prayer
Two men went up to the temple to pray. One came back without any apparent gift being given to him, whereas the other returned to his household with a sense of thankfulness in his heart. If both got different results from their visits, how did their approaches contrast? How can the story change the way I myself approach prayer?
Further reflection
This parable, addressed to some proud and arrogant people, was meant to sting.
Can I get in touch with the power of Jesus' rebuke?
Do I hear the call to a different way of living?
What does it say to me?
The contrast between Pharisee and publican has entered so deeply into our culture that it is sometimes reversed, and people are more anxious to hide at the back of the church than to be in the front pews.