Come, let us return to the LORD
Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the publican is a form of a real-life example. Jesus observes the prayers of two contrasting figures in the Jerusalem Temple and on the basis of it he makes a surprising judgment for the audience.
The Pharisee (this is "separated from others") has many advantages, which are, however, devalued by impure motives, by pride. The Pharisee prays, thanks God, fasts, gives alms, and keeps the law. However, beyond the exterior facade, he is far from having an intimate relationship with God. He needs religion in order to be self-esteemed, to exalt himself. This man does not ask God for anything, does not expect anything from Him. He highlights achievements and completely ignores weaknesses and mistakes.
The tax collector is also not an unambiguous figure. As in the Pharisee, the dark and the light sides are intertwined in him. He is a tax collector, collaborator with the enemy of the Jews - the Romans. For this reason, he is hated by his fellow citizens, despised, considered a man of the last category, like people on the margins - prostitutes, sinners, and also pagans.
On the other hand, this customs officer is a role model. He stands before God ashamed and repentant because he has understood his sin. He knows that sin makes him distant from God. That is why he stands before God like a beggar. He is aware that he is nothing by himself and that he needs God, His mercy and grace to be able to live differently. Sin is "happy guilt" for the tax collector. It breeds humility towards God and himself, as well as understanding for the weaknesses and sins of others.
Jesus' assessment of the prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector is surprising. The parable's listeners had no doubts that Jesus would praise the Pharisee, who was a model of faithfulness to God and the law, and would discredit the tax collector, a man from the social and moral margin. Meanwhile, Jesus judges otherwise. For Jesus, it is not so much moral perfection and spiritual perfectionism that are important, but humility, sincere repentance for sins and the desire to convert, and a change of mind. In the Sermon on the Mount, he said: " Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Mt 5:20)
Sometimes it seems to us that conversion is an easy process. It is enough to strive for moral perfection, obeying the commandments, participating in the Sunday Liturgy, praying, performing well-performed duties, humanitarian or charity work, eradicating one's own faults, minor forms of asceticism ... Whoever thinks so falls into one of the biggest illusions. You cannot convert quickly, easily or cheaply. God cannot be sent a gift. True conversion consists in giving God your heart, transformed by love.
One must live in the truth and never despise a man (neither himself nor others) - this is the main message of today's Gospel. A good and righteous life is not to be despised by those who do wrong. Wrongdoing must not be a cause for self-contempt. However, we should always be aware of our weakness, because "we cannot do anything without God". In other words, there are no good and bad people. There are only those who can live the good they have received from God and those who do not yet.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george