Gospel Reading:  Luke 18:9-14

9 Jesus told another picture-story to some people who trusted in themselves and thought they were right with God. These people did not think well of other men. 10 Jesus said, "Two men went up to the house of God to pray. One of them was a proud religious law-keeper. The other was a man who gathered taxes. 11 The proud religious law-keeper stood and prayed to himself like this, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men. I am not like those who steal. I am not like those who do things that are wrong. I am not like those who do sex sins. I am not even like this tax-gatherer. 12 I go without food two times a week so I can pray better. I give one-tenth part of the money I earn.' 13 But the man who gathered taxes stood a long way off. He would not even lift his eyes to heaven. But he hit himself on his chest and said, 'God, have pity on me! I am a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went back to his house forgiven, and not the other man. For whoever makes himself look more important than he is will find out how little he is worth. Whoever does not try to honor himself will be made important."

Old Testament Reading: Hosea 6:1-6

4 "What should I do with you, Ephraim? What should I do with you, Judah? Your loving-kindness is like a morning cloud, and like the water on the grass in the early morning. 5 So I have cut them in pieces by the men who speak for Me. I have killed them by the words of My mouth. My punishments come upon you like lightning. 6 I want loving-kindness and not a gift to be given in worship. I want people to know God instead of giving burnt gifts.  (Hosea 6:4-6)

Meditation: This parable presents both an opportunity and a warning. Pride leads to illusion and self-deception. Humility helps us to see ourselves as we really are and it inclines us to God's grace and mercy. God dwells with the humble of heart who recognize their own sinfulness and who acknowledge God's mercy and saving grace.  I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15). God cannot hear us if we despise others. Do you humbly seek God's mercy and do you show mercy to others, especially those you find difficult to love and to forgive?

Prayer: "Lord Jesus, may your love control my thoughts and actions that I may do what is pleasing to you. Show me where I lack charity, mercy, and forgiveness toward my neighbor.  And help me to be generous in giving to others what you have so generously given to me."

Psalm 51:1-4, 18-19

1 O God, favor me because of Your loving-kindness. Take away my wrong-doing because of the greatness of Your loving-pity.

2 Wash me inside and out from my wrong-doing and make me clean from my sin.
 3 For I know my wrong-doing, and my sin is always in front of me.
 4 I have sinned against You, and You only. I have done what is sinful in Your eyes. You are always right when You speak, and fair when You judge.

18 Be pleased to do good to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem.
 19 Then You will be happy with gifts given on the altar that are right and good, with burnt gifts and whole burnt gifts. Then young bulls will be given on Your altar.