“Let us strive to know the Lord.” Hosea 6:3

“For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, while he who humbles himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:14

In making a comparison between the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, one is surely drawn to the tax collector. Why? Perhaps the reason is that it comes from the experience in our own life or the lives of those about us. Which ever one we choose, we observe that the Pharisee knew by rote all the things that he did for God – good things by human standings – but truly actions that were steeped in pride. The tax collector, however, could only focus on his unworthiness because he knew his inner self. He begs for God’s forgiveness.

As we reflect on today’s scripture readings let us pray like the tax collector, in that we make every effort to know our inner self. In acknowledging our weaknesses, we ask Jesus for his mercy as we continue our Lenten journey. Let us strive to do those Christina services done by the Pharisee but always in the light of God’s love and with the knowledge that God knows the heart of each one of us.