We may expect the religious insider to be blessed, the moral person to be right with God. But as is so often the case, Jesus’ parable for today sweeps away conventional expectations. Jesus surprises the disciples and us when he says it’s not the Pharisee but rather the tax collector, that morally suspect, second-class citizen, who goes home “justified,” right with God (Luke 18:14). Here is a strong reminder for those of us who are church “insiders.” We are sinners who beg for God’s mercy, utterly dependent on God’s forgiveness and love—not merely for ourselves but for all in God’s creation.

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