Only Then May We Celebrate Series

Saturday of the 3rd Week in Lent 2023

When we read the Gospel passage that looks into the minds and hearts of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we see two entirely different ideas of sin and repentance. The first, which is way more popular than the other, is what is called “comparative” commitment. “I feel pretty good about myself because this other guy is such a jerk and he thinks he is on the way to heaven” is the watchword. The Pharisee plays conscience for the tax gatherer, and comes off looking really, really righteous. So he doesn’t ask God for anything–grace, improvement, conviction–nothing. Because he’s already got it all. Off to his castle and to the dump with everyone else.

But this other guy at the back of the building, he has learned the lesson taught earlier by the prophet Hosea. He feels the torn conscience that his behavior has left him with. He knows that the blows he has felt come because he has been unjust to his tax supporters. But he confidently turns to His God and asks for mercy. He knows where the problem is. It’s in his own mind, which he bows down to the Almighty, and in his heart, which he beats as he prays. “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” When we tear apart the hard carapace surrounding ourselves, we open ourselves to the gift of God’s life, forgiveness, grace. Serious, intentional sins we confess either openly or in private to a priest. We stop pretending our behavior is ok.

Then we allow God to wash us thoroughly of our wickedness, and to create in us a clean heart by the action of His Holy Spirit. We don’t need to bribe God to receive His mercy and forgiveness; He wants to give us that gift. Only then can we, by offering our whole selves for His service, only then can we enjoy our gift of salvation, and look forward to meeting our judge in our last hour on earth.