Luke 18: 9–14

Jesus told a story to some people who thought they were better than others and who looked down on everyone else:

Two men went into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people. And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. I go without eating for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn.”

The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven. He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, “God, have pity on me! I am such  a sinner.”

Then Jesus said, “When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God.

Gospel Reflection

In many arenas of today’s world, humility is a quality that often is not appreciated.  Humility does not mean that we demean ourselves or pretend to be less than we are.  True humility means that we recognize and acknowledge our limitations as well as our gifts and our talents.  No one person has all the answers.  Humble people will freely ask for advice or wisdom and will acknowledge when they need help.

Jesus does not want us to demean ourselves, nor does he want us to exalt ourselves.  Jesus has gifted each and every person with many gifts and talents; however, Jesus also realizes that we also have limitations and faults.  Today I invite you to be mindful of when it is time to share your gifts and talents.  and when you could use some words of wisdom or insight from another person.  Give thanks for the many gifts you have to share and give thanks for the many people who share their insights and talents with you.  Together, we can enrich our world and make it a loving and peaceful place!