Conversion
Today in Lk 18:9-14, Jesus shared with us the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee, arrogant and proud thought he was righteous in the eyes of God. "I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all I possess"...here was a man who practised his religion meticulously; but pride made him despise and condemn those who were 'beneath' him. The tax collector on the other hand, aware of his unpopular profession bowed low and prayed, " God, be merciful to me, a sinner." He acknowledged his sinfulness and with a contrite heart, asked God for forgiveness. Thus, he went home, justified with God.
This parable draws a sharp contrast between the proud and the humble. God does not need us to give great accounts of what we have done, or what charity we support. Our all-encompassing God knows everything; all he wants is for us to repent, to believe in his teachings and to live a life of justice.
True repentance should lead us to an act of humility before God, to ask for his forgiveness, to be reconciled with him and with one another. There will be a change of heart, a conversion which happens deep inside us, stirring us to want to know more of God's goodness, to trust him and to love him who loves us even more.
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the man who humbles himself will be exalted". This teaching of Jesus from the parable should help us to be more Christ-like in our dealings with people and in our love of neighbour. It should also help us to develop an attitude of patience, acceptance, kindness and most of all forgiveness and love, because, unworthy as we are, we have received the same from an all-merciful God!
Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient,
ever new, late have I loved you!
-St Augustine-
This parable draws a sharp contrast between the proud and the humble. God does not need us to give great accounts of what we have done, or what charity we support. Our all-encompassing God knows everything; all he wants is for us to repent, to believe in his teachings and to live a life of justice.
True repentance should lead us to an act of humility before God, to ask for his forgiveness, to be reconciled with him and with one another. There will be a change of heart, a conversion which happens deep inside us, stirring us to want to know more of God's goodness, to trust him and to love him who loves us even more.
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the man who humbles himself will be exalted". This teaching of Jesus from the parable should help us to be more Christ-like in our dealings with people and in our love of neighbour. It should also help us to develop an attitude of patience, acceptance, kindness and most of all forgiveness and love, because, unworthy as we are, we have received the same from an all-merciful God!
Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient,
ever new, late have I loved you!
-St Augustine-
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