From the Friars: The Leaven of the Pharisees
The Pharisee and the Publican, by Sir John Everett Millais – Aberdeen City Council, Public Domain, Link
Today in the Gospel we hear once again the story of the pharisee and the tax collector. We could imagine a similar scenario with a different pharisee and a different tax collector. This time the tax collector prays:
“Thank you God that I am not like this hypocritical pharisee. I am realistic about the Roman Occupation of our country and try to make the best of the situation. I do not flaunt my religion or think that I am some kind of holy person. I try to help people and not hurt anybody.“
Meanwhile, the pharisee is praying in his heart:
“O God, I thank you for the gift of my faith and every good thing that I have. Please help me to love you with my whole heart, as you command us in the great commandment. Have mercy on all sinners, that they would turn away from evil and live according to your Holy Law.“
The point of this alternative version of Jesus’ parable is to point out that self-righteousness can take many different forms. It is an attitude of prideful superiority, taking credit for the gifts God has given us, and looking with disdain on others, as if they were inferior. People in prison who were convicted of a very serious crime, murder for example, can easily be proud that they are not like those evil people who abused children in some way. The point Jesus wishes to emphasize is to avoid this danger of being convinced of our own righteousness and despising others. It is a tendency that we all have because of our fallen nature.
Good works and external acts of piety are very important and essential, but they do not make us holy in themselves. They easily become occasions of pride. But another big mistake many people make is to not do something good because they think they are only doing it out of pride. We should strive to do good always but with pure motives. If I become aware of self-righteous thoughts entering my mind, I should reject them promptly, praying for a pure heart, but continuing the good that I am doing. This interior battle includes humbling ourselves, which allows Our Lord to exalt us and share His Glory with us.
Peace.
–Fr. Peter