by Karen Mosso
Jesus 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
Our Pharisee in Luke’s Gospel perceives he has risen above the things that afflict others and that God will reward him for his status and purity. Indeed, we can surely boast that we are not like him. Alas, we are meant to look at our lives, our sins, and our relationship with God and others.
I have found that those we might label as the “other” are often the most interesting people – made in the image of God – who have much to teach us about coping, persevering, making do, and making the best life they can with limited resources, whether financial, mental or physical.
When I served as an Interim Rector in Huntersville, NC, I would stop at a convenience store after church for the Sunday paper. One day there was a “clean cut” young man in line near me who was nattily dressed in nice slacks and sport shirt. He also had a nose piercing, earrings and “sleeves” of colorful and beautifully intricate tattoos. I smiled at him and said, “You are amazingly decorated.” He smiled back, thanked me, and told me he was a tattoo artist himself. We chatted for a few more moments and then went our separate ways. In that brief exchange, we celebrated our creative, expressive and joyful common humanity.
Truthfully, we have all been “amazingly decorated” by the abundant gifts God has given to us. We are all the “other” making our way through our challenging lives. When you come across an interesting person, ask them to “Tell me your story” and join in the celebration of their life linked to yours.
Culver’s Root – Veronicastrum virginicum
These photographs, shared each day during Lent, capture the beauty of plants native to the Upper Midwest. As we spend time in Lenten reflection, these images of new life can remind us daily of our calling to be caretakers of God’s Creation.
Photo by Jo Anna Hebberger
