Homily for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Lent

In the Gospel reading, Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee who takes pride in his dutiful life. He brags about his fasting and tithing while looking down on the humble tax collector. However, no matter how well we live, we never have a special claim on God.

We all struggle with excessive self-worth and pride from time to time. Jesus warns us to guard against pride, even when we have done a great job at something. He said, "When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

The good news is that we don't need to earn God's favor through our accomplishments. God has already blessed us by giving us His Son. In response, we serve God by humbly doing His will. Our service to the LORD pales compared to the LORD's faithful service to us.