Luke 18:9-14
Ever come face to face with people who believe they are superior to everyone else? We can be a judgmental force in the world.
A hospital chaplain invited a middle-aged woman to read this scripture together. The patient had overdosed on a substance laced with fentanyl. Their visit occurred shortly after the woman breathed without help from a machine. “After reading, share what you hear,” the spiritual care provider suggested. The two listened together with intention.
He (Jesus) 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." Luke 18: 9-14
After reading, the chaplain looked up to consider the patient. Meeting a tearful face, she asked, “What did you hear?” With difficulty the woman replied with emotion, “One was humble.”
What contributes to humility?
One claims superior status by comparing himself with and separating himself from others. The other claims no status, but acknowledges his low position and need. One believes in his own righteousness as he depends on his own pious actions. He asks for nothing and receives nothing. The other comes in humility and receives compassion and restoration. The "sinner" is the one included among the people of God.[1]
Does the experience of suffering contribute to a person’s humility?
The book Trauma Stewardship speaks to the toll suffering takes on humanity. The author considers the impact of trauma on our ability (or lack of) to be attentive. How do our wounds impact being present to ourselves and others? Are we able to pay close attention and listen? Do our thoughts wander far away? This helpful book promotes healthy relating through practicing non-judgmental interaction. We can do much with a non-critical, open posture. Imagine engaging life with fascination and intrigue. Why? Through exploration of self and others learning, growth, and change may occur.[2]
Spiritual teacher, Anthony de Mello, touched people by encouraging them to embrace self discovery. He pointed people to the liberating path of unearthing truth. De Mello believed such a way made it possible to understand ourselves and others. He often shared the command,
“Be a light unto yourself.”
Pause for a moment to imagine the discovery latent in this empowering instruction. There is much for us to see about ourselves in relation to others. In a moment of calm there is much for us to see and hear.
De Mello told of a priest who ordered a deacon to gather a small group of people to pray for the recovery of a sick person. When they entered the room, one whispered to the leader that there were thieves in the group. He replied with favor noting, “When the Gates of Mercy are shut, these are the experts who will open them.”[3]
It is easy to hold people in contempt. The contrast Jesus points out in the parable is not lost on us. Think of those familiar with receiving poor treatment in places of public service. Those conditioned by meeting aloofness and negative attention know about humility. Who receives our disdain? At this moment in time, a Top 10 Netflix docudrama serial killer is our target. Fans of celebrity criminals and the atrocities committed watch in voyeuristic horror. Perspective comes with all the questions gorging on such media creates. We love to wonder about blame, revenge, justice, forgiveness, and mercy. Extremes make it challenging for us to imagine justification.
We love a distraction from our own issues.
Improving our condition according to the parable Jesus told depends on our attitude. Those in touch with the way of God are open to lowering themselves. They meet self and others with kindness and compassion.
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[1] Green, Joel B. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. The Gospel of Luke. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI. 1997.
[2] van Dernoot Lipsky, Laura. Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. Oakland, CA. 2009.
[3] de Mello, Anthony. A Book of Story Meditations: Taking Flight. Doubleday, New York, New York. 1988.