Many people might click their tongues self-righteously at the judge of last week’s Gospel (18:2) who "respected neither God nor man." It’s easy and tempting to look at someone and say, "Thank God I’m not like that!" And so today’s story follows quite naturally after the previous one, even though they may seem quite different. They are both about the type of prayer that God hears. These two characters were at opposite poles of religious society. One, a pillar of the synagogue; the other, a professional crook. In this story, Jesus gives a variation on the "reversal of situation" paradox we spoke of regarding the rich man and Lazarus parable a few weeks ago. The positions of these men are reversed in an unexpected way — the interior of each is not what the exterior would seem to indicate. (This also continues the theme of chapter 17.)

What is wrong with the Pharisee’s prayer? Count the number of "I’s" and it should be obvious. The only time he takes his attention off himself is to heap scorn on the other man. This is no real prayer of thanks, but only an exercise in self-admiration.

No one can justify himself or herself before God. We are good only because of God’s gift, not by our own efforts. We are all weak and sinful, and if we see ourselves with the eyes of truth, we shall find more cause for humility and shame than for pride. Justification (= making right) is a gift which only the repentant sinner can receive.

Comparison of the ways and the destiny of the wicked and the good is a favored teaching method in the Bible. Beginning with Cain and Abel (Gn 4:1-16), it is developed in the law (see Dt 11:26-28), the psalms (with Ps 1 setting the theme), wisdom literature (today’s reading), and finds its way into the teaching of Jesus, for example, the above parable. Sir 34:18-35:24 compares the prayer and sacrifice of the unjust and the just, the dishonestly wealthy and the upright person. The rich man’s sacrifices are valueless because he is using the fruits of his exploitation of the poor to try to bribe God. The lament and generosity of the poor is acceptable in God’s eyes and bears fruit.

Poverty and affliction are not good things in themselves, and are no particular cause for God’s favor. Yet they can be the road to uprightness and openness that enable one to understand and receive God’s care. Response: "The Lord hears the cry of the poor."

Paul is depicted as concluding this letter with what might be called "deathbed words" to his close disciple. He sees the end at hand (v 6), and is satisfied that he has accomplished his mission (vv 7-8). He forgives his enemies (v 16), and expresses confidence in God (vv 17-18). This hope is based not on any prideful sense of merit, but on an awareness that a life lived in union with Jesus cannot have an outcome apart from him.

1. Retell the Gospel in terms of today. If possible, dramatize it. What might these two characters say to each other?

2. Discuss the various possible effects of hardship, poverty, and sickness on one’s relationship with God.