Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson

Many times, we have instances where we could rightly say that Our Lord “pulls no punches.” The term comes from the sport of boxing and refers to the boxer’s decision not to hit his opponent as hard as he very well could. Applied to a speaker, it means that he or she talks very directly, even if their words might upset a listener or two.

This weekend’s Gospel section from Dr. Luke is a good example of this. However, many Pharisees present when He told the story would naturally be very upset. Jesus paints the picture of a proud braggart praying “with himself” instead of God. The conceited man not only lines up for God all his supposed “good deeds and practices” but also makes clear to God his superiority over the tax collector in the back of the room.

No matter how much or how little we know about prayer, that man up front disgusts us, or “turns us off” if we have any appreciation of humility. There is something quite out of place when a person approaches God with a list of all their good works, implying that they are therefore worthy of special treatment. It is very much like the loud-mouthed plane passenger demanding extra attention just because he/she has a first-class plane ticket. The ticket doesn’t confer royalty of any kind on a rude rider.

The beauty of the prayer of that tax collector “standing far off” is twofold. All done with an economy of words that is itself exemplary, a quality obviously favored by Jesus over wordiness.

First, his prayer acknowledges the chief attribute of God for which we should all be grateful, and that is His mercy. Who of us would be in any position of comfort with our Maker were He not so? Our failures to return His love, our very sins, would, without His mercy, doom us to hellfire.

Secondly, there is the man’s striking humility. How we can all benefit by having large doses of that virtue present in us when we go to pray. No wonder our humble Savior told His audience that the tax collector went home “justified.”

On that matter of brevity in prayer, here is a thought from no less than Thomas Jefferson, our third president, who wrote our Declaration of Independence: “The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”

God love you and be humble in His sight.

Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary

Reading I: Sirach 35: 12-14, 16-18

The Lord answers the prayers of His people and brings judgment upon wicked nations. He cannot be bribed and has no prejudice. Israel’s prayer reaches God in heaven.

Reading II: 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18

Paul’s death is imminent. He desires it, because he is to be rewarded like the saints. He will wear the “crown of righteousness” like the wreath worn by winning athletes.

The Gospel: Luke 18: 9-14

The proud Pharisee prays “with himself.” The humble tax collector begs for forgiveness. In fact, the tax collector’s prayer makes for a good Act of Contrition for us all.