Most of us manage to avoid the arrogance of the Pharisee in the parable but, at the same time the tax collectors lament seems exaggerated. Rarely do our personal sins reach the level of breast beating. We generally do not sin boldly. It is interesting, though, that the sinner in the parable is a tax collector and not a thief, rogue or adulterer. The tax collector’s sin is political because he has aligned himself with the powers of oppression. We too, often without recognizing it, are aligned with powers that oppress and enslave. People we elect, purchases we make, and deeds we leave undone implicate us in the oppression of people all over the world. Like the tax collector, we allow ourselves to be co-opted by the powerful. Where it not for the saving power of Jesus Christ, we too would be unable to look up to heaven without fear. Thank God for our justification in Christ. May we have the humility to recognize and change our sinful ways.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
21st Sunday After Pentecost - Year C (Luke 18: 1-8)
While “The Need to Pray Always” is the title of this parable given to us by the evangelist, the parable itself seems only incidentally about prayer. I would suggest that justice is the real issue.
The world is full of people seeking justice and, all too often, injustice seems to win the day. The widows, orphans and strangers whose rights were championed by the prophets serve as a kind of shorthand for all who are without access to power. These are people who lack both the resources and connections necessary to “make it” in society. The promise of this parable is not that just any prayers will be answered but specifically that the demand for justice will be heard.
In our own time, faith seems tied to a need for comfort and security. Prayer is often all about the individual and his or her small circle of family and friends. Feeling good is more important than being good. Prosperity is more important than justice. Indeed, will the Son of Man find any faith on the earth?
The world is full of people seeking justice and, all too often, injustice seems to win the day. The widows, orphans and strangers whose rights were championed by the prophets serve as a kind of shorthand for all who are without access to power. These are people who lack both the resources and connections necessary to “make it” in society. The promise of this parable is not that just any prayers will be answered but specifically that the demand for justice will be heard.
In our own time, faith seems tied to a need for comfort and security. Prayer is often all about the individual and his or her small circle of family and friends. Feeling good is more important than being good. Prosperity is more important than justice. Indeed, will the Son of Man find any faith on the earth?
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