REFLECTION FOR E-NEWS, 23rd OCTOBER, 2022
Luke 18:9-14
THE PHARISEE AND THE TAX COLLECTOR
“HONEST, BUT……”
The parable about the pharisee and the tax collector, like all of Jesus’ stories, makes his listeners stop and think… Here Jesus talks about two men, both of whom are honest. But there is a problem with one of them. The pharisee, a religious leader, when he talks to God, talks about himself honestly. He lists his good points. What he says is true. However, Jesus says that he wasn’t justified in the eyes of God. Why? Because of his attitude towards others. The second man, who held a position in society that most certainly meant that he was corrupt, talked to God in a different way. He didn’t focus on his own merits, but in humility acknowledged his shortcomings. Both men were honest, but only one was blessed. Only one had the right priorities.
It could be said that Queen Elizabeth was a leader who embodied the attitude that Jesus praised, when he described the tax collector. She was a person who was human like everyone else. She made mistakes, but never claimed to be perfect.. In different ways she could have used her powerful position for the betterment of others, particularly those who suffered as a result of colonialism. But it cannot be denied that she was a woman of great faith, who found personal strength in her belief in Jesus.
Her faith shines forth in many of her sayings, which reflect her desire to have the attitude of the second man in today’s Gospel. Several of these which touch my heart are the ones that follow now:
“There is an old saying that it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. There are millions of people lighting candles of hope in our world today.” (2015)
“If you throw a stone into a pool, the ripples go on spreading outwards. Our daily actions are like those ripples, each one makes a difference, even the smallest.” (1975)
“It is a matter of making the best of ourselves, not just doing the best for ourselves.” (1975)
“It has always been easy to hate and destroy. To build and to cherish is much more difficult.” (1957)
“Grief is the price we pay for love.” (2011)
“Women breathe gentleness and care into the harsh progress of humanity.” (1966)
“Let’s not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly of wisdom. We must always be ready to listen and respect other points of view.” (1991)
We can be inspired by the wisdom of others. We can be inspired particularly by those who are open to Jesus’ message, who help us to make His priorities our own. We, too, can inspire others by our own insights as people of faith. We are invited to say, with Queen Elizabeth, “For me, the life of Jesus Christ is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness. He stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing.” (2014)