Scripture Scribbles: October 23, 2022

the Gospel

Luke 18:9-14

Jesus addressed this parable

to those who were convinced of their own righteousness

and despised everyone else.

"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;

one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.

The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,

'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --

greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.

I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'

But the tax collector stood off at a distance

and would not even raise his eyes to heaven

but beat his breast and prayed,

'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'

I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;

for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,

and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

the devotion

Last week my husband and I visited my brother-in-law, Bob, in the hospital. He had broken his leg, just had surgery, and understandably was not in the best of spirits. I sat in silence, horror, and shock as Bob proceeded to shout obscenities at my husband who is undeniably the most caring family member. Comparing myself to Bob, I attempted to applaud my own righteousness but gradually checked myself.

Most unsettling about Bob’s violent outbursts was recognizing times when I had acted in a similar manner (minus a few expletives). Though some of my wrath has been tamed, pride can cause me to exalt myself, magnify my progress, and minimize my other failings. How much I still miss the mark in pursuing virtue! I provide a small sampling (clearly not comprehensive) to illustrate.

Recently, I pretended not to see a neighbor to avoid fully reconciling. My habitual sin of negativity often clouds my judgment. My heart often becomes hardened like stone from slights of family members, and most condemning of all, I fail to completely trust in the plan and promises of Jesus Christ who has done so much for me.

O God, be merciful to me, and let me never forget that “I have greatly sinned through my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do” (Penitential Act). Soften my heart, transform my mind, and conform my will to yours. Make me holy. Teach me to love and trust.

Today’s devotion was written by Karen Molvar