Of Humility, Exaltation, and Mercy

(Image from patrickcomerford)

The specific details of the Pharisee-tax collector passage from Luke aren't as well-remembered as the more famous parables, but the theme is very familiar: [bold added]

"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `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.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."----Luke 18:10-14

When we plead our case before earthly tribunals, we are allowed to make the case for ourselves. Just like the Pharisee touted his good deeds, we can cite ours, how we have never run afoul before, etc. But it is all for nought with the implacable Judge, whose Law is immutable and who has perfect knowledge of both our deeds and what is in our hearts.

If we are lucky enough to be granted time to ready ourselves for the next world, we must forsake what makes us virtuous in the eyes of our fellow man and ask for God's mercy.