Jesus usually shares parables to introduce a teaching that will most likely challenge traditional behaviour, the wisdom of the time, and religious norms. The Pharisees strictly observed the law and opposed Jesus' teachings. Jesus often criticised the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and for paying so much attention to the observance of the law rather than to mercy and justice.
Tax collectors collected taxes for the Romans, who were disliked. The community despised tax collectors; they were seen as traitors for working for the Romans and were also known to overcharge people for personal gain.
The Pharisee’s strict observance of the law and self-righteousness is expressed in the manner he prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers,
adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” While the tax collector humbly asked for God's forgiveness and mercy.
Jesus tells us that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home made right with God. Why is this? We might ask ourselves: both prayed, and we are encouraged to pray often; both did what is right, and yet only one is justified. The tax collector’s prayer might have
seemed small; however, it was honest, and God honours this kind of truth. The tax collector’s prayer was inward-looking.
The Lord invites us to be honest and inward-looking in our prayers. How does this invitation sit with you? Spend some time in conversation with the Lord about this.
Reflections by Morongoa Selepe
