Ironically both men got what they prayed for. The tax collector humbly asked for mercy, and he received it. The Pharisee asked for nothing because he thought that he already had it all, and he received nothing. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector shows us whose prayersRead More →

This parable is what the rabbis called “from the lesser to the greater.” If it is the case that even this cynical judge caved in to constant appeal, how much more will God eventually respond to those who, like the widow, keep pleading for what they desire. (Of course, whatRead More →

 The Greek word Luke uses for the leper’s thanksgiving in today’s story is “eucharistein”. And we are here now because we know that the best possible way of expressing our thanks to God for all his gifts is through participation in the Holy Eucharist. Here is made present Christ’s selfRead More →

A friend of mine gave me some acorns, with the idea that I would make them into prayer beads. I tipped them out and there, amongst them all, was an acorn with a crack in its golden shell and the palest green shoot beginning to sprout. This acorn knew exactly what itRead More →

The use of Lazarus-Eleazar (Lazarus, the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Eleazar,”) and Abraham in the parable reminds the Jewish audience of Eleazar of Damascus, Abraham’s chief steward mentioned in Genesis 15:2-3. Eleazar, also a Gentile steward, was initially the heir to Abraham’s estate until Isaac was born. DespiteRead More →