"The Lenten Pilgrimage" - Day 32

Thursday, March 25th  

     “But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’  I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

                         Luke 18:13-14

     Jesus takes a very dim view of religious pride.   Compare yourself favorably to your neighbor, especially in matters of religious practice, and you are skating on thin ice with the Master.  

      If we are approaching the Season of Lent with a repentant spirit, we are feeling the weight of our sin, recognizing our complicity in putting Jesus on the cross.  We acknowledge our need for forgiveness, and our desperate need of a Savior. 

      Perhaps we all could point out a neighbor or two who doesn’t seem to approach religion with the same fervor as we admire in ourselves.  But, just in case comparing yourself favorably to a, somewhat less zealous, neighbor becomes appealing sport for you, here’s a sure-fire way to ruin your fun.

      Compare yourself to Jesus.

      And there will never be any occasion for boasting!

Prayer

     Jesus, our Savior, Redeemer and Friend, we lament every instance when we have believed 

     ourselves more virtuous, faithful and pleasing to you than others.  Forgive us for our fallen

     tendency to inch toward any form of religious pride.  Convict us of every foolish attempt at

     spiritual boasting.  Grant us a humble spirit that seeks to bring praise, honor and glory to you,

     and you alone.  In your holy name we pray.  Amen.