As I was reading the lectionary text for today, I was struck by the gospel reading in Luke. The parable that Jesus tells between the two men who are praying is interesting. (Luke 18:9-14) The Pharisee can obviously see the tax collector as he prays. Yet, he still says ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ The “I” factor in this prayer is strong “I am not like the others, I fast, I give.” This prayer is more like bragging in public then it is humbling himself before God. In contrast, the tax collector says simply ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
What is interesting about this tax collector in Luke’s gospel is that he is not like the other tax collectors in Luke. Levi leaves his job, follows Jesus and throws a big party to offer restitution for his sins. Zacchaeus offers to pay back four times the amount he has gained sinfully. Both of these men offer restitution and change their lives radically after encountering Jesus. But in this parable, the tax collector simply asks forgiveness. “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” And Jesus says he is justified through this simple request. He didn’t do any acts of restitution, he didn’t have a big display of repentance, and he didn’t walk away from his job to follow Jesus. He simply asks for mercy. He recognizes that he is a sinner and needs God in his life. Simple.
I think that sometimes we make things too hard. I know that I do. And I make them all about me. I recently asked colleagues when people not attending worship would stop feeling personal. Most told me never, that it always feels personal. But my friend and colleague, Paula, reminded me that it isn’t about me at all. It’s about God and his people. My “I” factor was blinding me to the realization that this is God’s church and not my new church plant. I have to humble myself before God and simply ask for people to come. Ask for disciples who have a heart for the world. I need to get out of the way.
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