A Poem a Sunday

Pentecost 23 – C

October 23, 2016

St. Luke 18:9-14 - NRSV

Commentary:  Echoes of Mary's Song as Luke once again tells a tale from Jesus that uses a marginalized person as an example of repentance and faith.  Placing them side by side Jesus demonstrates the drama of transformation.

Parable of the Pharisee & Tax Collector

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 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. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 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!’ 14 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.”

A Poem a Sunday

Pentecost 23 - C

Juxtaposition

Rock:

‘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.’

Paper:

‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

Scissors:

I tell you, this man went down 
to his home 
justified rather than the other.

Rock breaks scissors.

Paper covers Rock.

Scissors cuts paper.

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