‘O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.’ Luke 18:13

Why do we practice our faith? Really, what’s the point? Were you raised in the faith and it’s just something you’ve always done or are you a convert, who had a moment where God showed you a new way to live and you couldn’t say no any longer? It is interesting to hear the stories of others and see why they come to church. Being a Chirstian can have a lot of benefits. It can make us better people who are kind and generous. It can help us grow in virtue and use our talents to serve others. It can remind us that we are not perfect and need a savior. But it can also become a habit that stops meaning all that it should. It can become a prideful exercise where we unknowingly place ourselves above others because we believe we have all the answers. 

Our practice of religion should bring us to humility. Consider the changes the Church calls us to at Lent and the idea of sacrifice that makes us aware of our tendency to selfishness. Making more time to pray when we’d rather be scrolling on our phones or watching tv. Foregoing the fancy coffee and adding the money you saved into the collection basket each week. Skipping dessert while everyone else is munching on that cookie. Each of these are moments where we face the temptation to do what we want, rather than what we should. And each time we prayerfully succeed in conquering that temptation, it’s another step towards humility and away from pride.

The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable today looked good from the outside, but totally missed the heart of prayer and what God desired. The tax collector, who showed true humility, pleased God with his contrite heart and simple prayer. If you look in the mirror and honestly assess your own image, who do you see there? Pharisee or Tax Collector. Has your practice of religion become more about you and how much you do or more about Him and your need for a savior? The answer will tell you what you may want to focus on as you move into the second half of Lent. 

Reflection Questions: We all face times where our pride gets the best of us, and we lose sight of the real reason to pray. God knows how we fall and still loves us and invites us to begin again. Where are you finding yourself active in the faith, but maybe with the wrong intention? Do you find yourself judging others who don’t seem to be living their faith fully? How can you begin to see yourself more like the tax collector who knows he’s sinned and just asks for mercy? 

Prayer: O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. Amen