Sermon: October 26, 2025
Reading: Luke 18:9-14
The parable in our gospel is not just about prayer; it’s about what we carry in our hearts. The Pharisee was not necessarily a bad person, but he held contempt in his heart, measuring his worth by comparing himself to those he deemed less righteous and unworthy. But God does not honor prideful comparisons. He honors humility.
How often do we fall into the same trap? We look at others and think, “At least I’m not like them.” We judge people by their mistakes, their appearance, their background, and their political and spiritual beliefs. We elevate ourselves by lowering others. But this is not the way of Christ.
Jesus doesn't just invite us—He urgently calls us to a radically different way of living rooted in humility and love. He reminds us that we are completely dependent on God’s grace, and that no achievement, status, or reputation can make us worthy before God. At the foot of the cross, all differences and divisions vanish; we stand on equal ground. There are no favorites, insiders, or outsiders. Whether you're a Pharisee or a tax collector, preacher or prodigal, lifelong believer or wandering soul, we are all saints and sinners before God, empty-handed and in need of mercy. We come not with our accomplishments but with our need, and it is in this humility and honesty where God’s love meets us and lifts us up.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less and others more. It’s choosing to see others not with contempt, but with compassion. It’s recognizing that every person you meet is someone God loves deeply. And since God loves them, so should we.
And that is the beauty of today’s parable; that as we come before God in humility and love, every barrier we build—every label, every division, every wall of contempt crumbles to dust. In the presence of divine grace, all of humanity stands on sacred, equal ground. We are no longer divided as republican or democrat, liberal or conservative; we are no longer citizen or immigrant; we are not gay or straight; all of these human-made divisions crumble away in the light of God’s love. We are all simply God’s beloved children.
With humble hearts, may we come before God fully aware of our deep need for God’s grace, yet also overflowing with joy and gratitude. For God’s mercy knows no boundaries; it crosses every line we draw and gathers us all as beloved children. God’s love is lavish, abundant, and freely given to every soul. We are, each of us, simply God’s children—longing, hoping, and yearning to hear Jesus say to us what he said of the tax collector: “You are justified and forgiven. You are loved.”
Let us pray:
Merciful God, You see beyond our pride, our contempt, and our divisions. Draw us close to Your heart, teach us to come before You in humility and hope, recognizing our need for Your grace and forgiveness. Help us to let go of contempt and judgment, and instead embrace one another with love, as fellow children of God. May Your Spirit guide us to walk in humility, to seek Your mercy, and to share Your compassion with all. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
