Weekly Faith Question? October 27, 2019

​“The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people…’”

Jesus told this parable to expose our superiority games. No need to pretend we don’t play them. The human ego separates self from others or my group from their group. And then it puffs up one and puts down the other. 

Jesus reveals these games in order to heal, not to punish. In fact, the urge to punish is part of this very problem!

The Pharisee quite literally put distance between himself and the sinner. Jesus invites us to do the opposite--to close the gap between ourselves and others.

Who have you distanced yourself from? What would it be like to move closer to them, as Christ always moves toward you? Ask for God’s help and guidance.