Reflection on the Word in our Worship
"[T]he tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' [Jesus said,]I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
-Luke 18:13-14 (ESV)
Instead of the Pharisee, the tax collector went down justified, because he had given glory to God, the holy One. He did not dare lift his eyes but sought only to plead for mercy. He accused himself by his posture, by striking his breast, and by entertaining no other motive except propitiation. Be on your guard, therefore, and bear in mind this example of severe loss sustained through arrogance. The one guilty of insolent behavior suffered the loss of his justice and forfeited his reward by his bold self-reliance. He was judged inferior to a humble man and a sinner because in his self-exaltation he did not await the judgment of God but pronounced it himself. Never place yourself above anyone, not even great sinners. Humility often saves a sinner who has committed many terrible transgressions. -Basil the Great (emphasis added)
The Collect of the Week
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
First Reading: Jeremiah 14:7-10,19-22
Psalm 84:1-6 (see below)
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18
Gospel Reading: Luke 18:9-14
Psalm 84:1-6
1 How lovely are your dwellings, *
O Lord God of hosts!
2 My soul has a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord; *
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
3 Indeed, the sparrow has found her a house,
and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young, *
even your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are they who dwell in your house; *
they will be always praising you.
5 Blessed is the one whose strength is in you, *
in whose heart are your ways,
6 Who going through the valley of misery uses it for a well; *
indeed, the early rains fill the pools with water.