Who Am I?

This parable in the Gospel of Luke challenges us to do some serious soul-searching about who we are: spiritually proud and self-righteous….or truly humble, reflecting the humility of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8) - and represents two radically different destinies in life. Take time to prayerfully reflect on this aspect of your daily life.

Luke 18:11-13

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself: 

 “God, I thank You that I am not like other men — extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.”

The tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying,

 “God, be merciful to me a sinner!”

Matthew 6:5-8
And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.

But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Prayer

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

V. Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.