HUMILITY

The Gospel reading for today was about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The Pharisee was thanking God that he was not like others, especially like the tax collector. He was also letting God know about the wonderful things he did. The tax collector, however, simply said, "Have mercy on me, O' Lord, a sinner."

When we accomplish good deeds, when we achieve a certain status in life, we have been gifted by God who accomplishes these things in us. I think humility and gratitude go hand in hand. Expressing our praise and thankfulness to God for all that we have and all that we are able to do is one form of humility because we know that we cannot do these things alone. It seems the Pharisee had a big head about who he was and what he did rather than acknowledging that God was the source and giver of his gifts. He did not ask forgiveness for any of his failings. He only wanted to show God his perfection.

The tax collector knew who and what he truly was. He did not even try to express anything good about himself. He humbled himself before God, faced his failings, and asked forgiveness. God knows what is in the human heart. It is a good thing to pat ourselves on the back once in a while when we know we have done a good job. However, it is equally important to remember to give thanks to God who has graced us and blessed us abundantly.