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 2025-10-26 Daily Prayer
In his prayer, the Pharisee focused on himself and all he had done. The tax collector focused on God and his great mercy. St Teresa of Avila taught that real prayer is more about loving than thinking. There is a lot of truth in the statement that when we are thinking in prayer, we are with ourselves, and when we are loving in prayer, we are with God. Prayer is all about a special friendship. Do we go to prayer just to ask for things for ourselves and others, or do we spend most of our time staying with the Lord and sharing with him and listening to him?
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.