by Fr. John Martin Shimkus, O.S.B.

     In the little parable of the gospel Jesus tells us of two men who go up to the temple to pray.  The first is a Pharisee, a member of the religious elite.  He is proud and dignified and very happy about his relationship with God.  He reflects this pride in his prayer: "O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity . . . "

     But the Pharisee forgets that the God he says he worships is a God of love, forgiveness and mercy.  He thinks that he can impress God by rattling off his accomplishments and trumped up virtue.  While he excuses himself of outward sins of greed, dishonesty, and lust, we can be sure that his pride has concealed the more insidious ways evil has gotten hold of him: his attachment to status and places of honor, his bending of the truth in order to manipulate people, the adultery he practices secretly with his heart, mind and eyes.  The sad thing is that God would not have condemned him for any of these faults, but would have forgiven him at the first sign of repentance.

     On the other hand the humble tax collector seems to know God and God's ways much better.  He understands that God is loving and merciful and seeks only to heal.  What's more, the tax collector knows that his dealings in the world lead him into temptation and perhaps sin every day.  So he beats his breast, acknowledging that only God's mercy can save him and make him whole.  Thus, it is the tax collector who returns home justified and at peace, because he alone asked for what God was only too ready to give.
     Which one of these men is most like us?  We all sin, so that in itself is not noteworthy.  But not everyone who sins asks forgiveness from God.  Not everyone who sins asks God to heal his heart and bring him the joy of repentance.  If we take the time to reflect on the truths of our faith and to honestly bring our whole selves - both the good and the bad - to God, we will experience his forgiveness and healing.  If we examine our consciences frequently - even daily - in the light of God's tender mercy, we will come to a deeper appreciation of God's love.


O Lord, help me to see clearly and to confess honestly the sin from which you most desire to free me.  May my pride and fear never get in the way of your redeeming love.

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