Today’s Scripture Readings

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

Most of us would be unlikely to make as explicitly boastful a prayer as that of the Pharisee—thanking God for how good we are compared to other people! But we should note that this passage is a parable told by Jesus: the figure of the Pharisee is exaggerated to make a point, but our self-righteousness behaviour is usually much more subtle.

The key point is that the parable is told ‘to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt.’ It’s directly addressing that familiar human compulsion: our need to know how we are measuring up. But, because true relationships, including our relationship with God, aren’t about keeping score, we often resort to counterfeit methods of reassurance: typically, we do this by finding some standard whereby we can compare ourselves favourably with others. This can make us feel better, temporarily, but it’s a facade, not reality. So, how do we avoid falling into this pattern?

Well, perhaps the very exaggeration of the Pharisee’s self-righteousness can provide us with an approach. Like many of Jesus’ parables, there is an element of humour in the story: boasting to God by thanking him for how good you are is ridiculous. So, how about this: when you catch yourself in unconscious self-congratulation about your devotional habits, or your charitable giving, or your good works for the Church, and you find yourself contrasting your efforts to others who clearly aren’t pulling their weight, state it explicitly! Say aloud, ‘thank you, God, that I say so many rosaries [or whatever your supposed achievement], unlike so-and-so.’ You should soon find yourself laughing at how foolish that sounds—and laughing at yourself is an excellent pathway to humility: ‘for all who exalt themselves will be humbled.’ (Luke 18:14)