Meditation today: being justified by mercy

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised all others. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Luke 18: 9-10

This passage of the Scriptures introduces the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. They both go to the temple to pray, but their prayers are very different from each other. The Pharisee's prayer is very dishonest, while the publican's prayer is exceptionally sincere and honest. Jesus concludes by saying that the tax collector returned home justified but not the Pharisee. He affirms: “… because whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted”.

True humility is simply being honest. Too often in life we ​​are not honest with ourselves and, therefore, we are not honest with God. So in order for our prayer to be true prayer, it must be honest and humble. And the humble truth for all our lives is best expressed by the prayer of the tax collector who prayed, "O God, have mercy on me a sinner."

How easy is it for you to admit your sin? When we understand God's mercy, this humility is much easier. God is not a harsh God, but He is a God of the utmost mercy. When we understand that God's deepest desire is to forgive and reconcile with Him, we will deeply desire honest humility before Him.

Lent is an important time to thoroughly examine our conscience and make new resolutions for the future. In this way you will bring new freedom and grace into our lives. So don't be afraid to honestly examine your conscience so that you see your sin clearly the way God sees it. That way you will be able to pray this tax collector's prayer: "O God, have mercy on me a sinner."

Reflect on your sin today. What are you most struggling with right now? Are there sins from your past that you never confessed? Are there ongoing sins that you justify, ignore, and are afraid to face? Take heart and know that honest humility is the path to freedom and the only way to experience justification before God.

My merciful Lord, I thank you for loving me with perfect love. I thank you for your incredible depth of mercy. Help me see all my sins and turn to You with honesty and humility so that I can be freed from these burdens and become justified in your eyes. Jesus I believe in you.