He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Luke 18:9-14

It is easy to read this parable and identify with the tax collector, imagining myself as a humble seeker of mercy. The temptation to look down on others—those with different struggles, faults, or outward appearances—is never far away—the lines between humility and subtle arrogance blur.

This parable holds up a mirror, reflecting not only the overt pride of the Pharisee but also the quiet ways I can distance myself from those I judge. It is not just the act of being proud that is rebuked, but the act of comparing others to my own standards and withholding compassion from them.

While I would describe both of my parents as generally humble, they had moments of pride. Whenever they saw people not doing what they believed they should, comments would be made.  

“Wouldn’t you think they’d clean up their yard?  It’s disgusting.”

“Why can’t they control their children?  It’s embarrassing!”

I am struck by how often the word ‘disgust’ came up in their words and how often it can come up in mine. My attitude toward another’s weakness should be sadness, not disgust. Sadness over another’s sin prompts me to pray for them, while disgust tempts me to distance myself.  

Pride is insidious. When you think it’s gone, you realize you can still be proud about thinking it’s gone. When disgust arises, I need to remember… ‘There but for the grace of God go I.’

When I believe I’m justified in deciding who should receive mercy and who should be judged, convict me, Father.  Amen