When we hear a story, sometimes we think about how we fit into it, don’t we?
Today we hear the story of the Publican and the Pharisee. Do you remember it? Two men went to the temple to pray. One of them said, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people.” He went on to compare himself to other people, other sinners. He told God all the great things he did. But the other man would not even look up, and just said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
When we hear this story, we think about how we fit into it. You can ask yourself: Which way do I pray? Do I tell God all the great things I have done? Do I compare myself to the bad kids at school, and remind God that I’m not like them? OR do I tell God that I make mistakes? Do I ask Him to help me with my problems?
Which way do YOU pray?
Just think: the two men came to the same temple. They came to talk to the same God. But how different they were! Remember, God wants all of us to talk to Him, to pray to Him. But let’s follow the example of the humble man. “God be merciful to me, a sinner!”
Presvytera Alexandra Houck, myocn.net
St Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church 