the tale of two men

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me when I get too full of myself.  For when I do that there is no room for you.  Give me the strength and the courage to humble myself before you today, that there would be plenty of space within me for you to move and to work and to act.  Amen.

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Journal: What about this passage stirs your heart?  What disturbs you?  Which man can you relate to most?  Why?

Reflection: Once upon a time there were two men; one who thought he had it all together, and the other who was painfully aware that he did not.  One who was pretty sure that he was God’s gift to humanity, and the other who was pretty sure humanity didn’t even know his name.  One who was constantly seeking the spotlight, and the other who was content in the shadows.  One who was ever climbing upward, and the other who was well acquainted with the downward path.  One who was so in love with his own observations and opinions that he couldn’t wait to share his “wisdom” with anyone and everyone in his path, and the other who was fully aware that the only thing he really knew was that he did not know.  One who thought he knew how to pray, and the other who realized he didn’t even know what prayer really was.  One who was so full of himself that there was not any room for anyone or anything else, and the other who was so empty that there was plenty of room for God and others.  One who was destined to be humbled, and the other who humbled himself.  Which one would you rather be, one or the other?

Prayer

Closing Prayer: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.