Saturday, March 29th
The Reverend Will Compton
Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9-14
“To focus too much on our sins is in itself sinful.” I remember we were discussing Lent when my liturgics professor said this and it stuck with me. To focus too much on our sinfulness does not leave room for God’s overwhelming grace. Even the Prodigal Son in all of the horrible ways he treated his father accepted his father’s invitation to be the guest of honor at a party and have the fatted calf killed for him when he returned home.
There is no sin for which God will refuse to extend his grace. There is no sin for which God will not throw a party for us and kill the fatted calf when we repent and return to Him.
And speaking of repentance, that same professor said that our repentance, even in Lent, should be joyful. I guess that in the same way God loves a cheerful giver, perhaps He loves a cheerful repenter as well. Therefore, confess your sins unlike the Pharisee, but cut yourself some slack unlike the tax collector. Be joyful in your repentance. God created you and called you good, and like the artist or craftsman, God hates nothing He has made. Leave room for God’s grace. After all, ‘tis grace that leads us home.
The Collect of the Day
O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.