adulterous, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and give a tenth of all my income to the temple.’
In the meantime the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.’
I tell you, when this man went back to his house, he had been reconciled with God, but not the other.
For whoever makes himself out to be great will be humbled,and whoever humbles himself will be raised up.”
REFLECTION:
In this parable about prayer, Jesus highlights the posture of the man as he prays. He remains at a distance,
casting his eyes down and beating his breast which tells us of his physical and spiritual posture.
The man knows who he is and where he stands before the Lord. He knows that he is a great sinner.
So he comes before God with such humility and sincerity. He offers no excuses for his actions and for his life.
He is simply honest before God and asks for forgiveness. This spiritual posture is matched with his physical posture.
He stands at a distance, knowing that he is not worthy to go near before the Lord. He casts his eyes down and beats his breast.
The Lord Jesus reminds us to be humble and sincere in our relationship with the Father: humble enough to acknowledge who we truly are before Him,
and sincere in approaching Him. Our attitude shown in our action matters before our God. Our actions manifest who we are and, at the same time,
show the kind of Christians that we are to others.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2020