Humbled and Justified

Luke 18:9-14

In this sermon, Father Mark reflects on Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, found in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus tells this story to those who “trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt.” The Pharisee stands proudly in the temple, thanking God that he is better than others, while the tax collector, aware of his sinfulness, humbly asks for mercy. Jesus concludes that it is the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who goes home justified. Father Mark emphasizes that this parable’s audience is unique—it is directed not to any particular group but to all who rely on their own righteousness rather than on God’s grace.

Father Mark explains that the Pharisee’s mistake is not his fasting or tithing—both are good practices—but his belief that such acts make him righteous before God. Quoting various theologians, he describes the Pharisee’s “prayer” as more of a self-congratulatory report, with God merely an audience. True righteousness, Father Mark says, is not about obeying external rules but about right relationship—with God, others, and creation. Like a pianist who hits all the right notes but plays without heart, the Pharisee performs religion perfectly yet misses its true music: love flowing from the heart of God.

The sermon concludes with a challenge to modern listeners. In today’s world of boastfulness and contempt, many act from ego rather than humility, justifying themselves and condemning others. Father Mark calls his congregation to abandon self-righteousness and instead live from the humility and openness of the tax collector—to trust and surrender to God’s grace. When we are emptied of ego, God’s love can flow through us, drawing us toward compassion, service, and solidarity with the powerless. True strength, he reminds us, lies not in self-justification but in vulnerability before the mercy of God.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.