Both Pharisee and Tax Collector--March 1, 2017

[from March 9, 2011 archive]

Two men went up to pray,

Pharisee and tax collector,

and we are like them both.

Like the tax collector, many faults;

like the Pharisee, oblivious of them.

We lack truth in our inward being,

do not see how inapt is our anger.

The pioneer and perfecter of our faith

endured the pain and shame of death;

our hands droop, our knees are weak.

O God, for whom and through whom

all things exist, forgive our sins, and

teach us wisdom in our secret hearts.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 5; 147:1-11; 27; 51

Jonah 3:1-4:11

Heb. 12:1-14

Luke 18:9-14

Selected Verses

Ps. 51:6

You desire truth in the inward being;
            therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

Jonah 4:9

But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?”  And he said, “Yes, angry enough to die.”

Heb. 12:2

…looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Luke 18:9-10

[Jesus] 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.  …”