As we just heard in our Gospel reading, Jesus tells His followers a parable about a Pharisee who displays the pride that is sometimes typical of the dutiful person: bragging about how well he lived his life; telling God how he fasts twice per week and how he pays tithes, all while looking down his nose at the humble tax collector. He seems to think that his virtue gives him some claim on God. (Luke 18:9-14) Yet, no matter how well we live, no matter how dutiful we have been, we never have a special claim on God.
Excessive self-worth and pride are things that many of us must struggle with from time to time. Today’s gospel passage warns us that even when we do a great job at something, even when we have been dutiful in our work, we still must guard against pride. Jesus said, “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” (Luke 17:10)
The good news is that we don’t need to score points to be sure of God’s favor. God has blessed us and keeps blessing us by giving us His Son. In response, we try to serve God faithfully, by humbly doing His will (to the extent that we can discern it). Our service of the LORD pales by comparison to the LORD’s faithful service to us.+
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