This reflection is based on Luke 18:9-14.
Today’s familiar Gospel story reminds us of God’s boundless mercy for sinners, but also His dissatisfaction with self-righteous Pharisees–those of us who tend to look down on others and exalt ourselves at their expense. As our Lord reminds us:
“…whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
This homily is based on Luke 18:1-8.
Today’s Gospel passage made me question my prayer. Blame that widow in the Gospel who keeps repeating her request to a judge until it is granted. What is her request? It is pretty concrete: “Render a just decision for me against my adversary.”
It’s one of the most important prayers–and one of spiritual writer Anne Lamott’s all-time favorites:
“Thankyouthankyouthankyou!”
