One of the articles in the CN that came out a couple of weeks ago reflected on the sin of gossip and how those who are guilty of it often don’t even realize it. The same thing can be said of the sin of self-righteousness. Saturday’s gospel about the Pharisee and the tax collector (Lk 18:10-14) illustrates this point very clearly. In fact, if asked, most people would usually identify with the humble tax collector. Even after being in BLD for many years, I find it not very difficult to imagine myself in the Pharisee’s shoes. What do you suppose a modern-day Pharisee might be thinking?
- How many times I have told family and friends that thanks to BLD I now live a God-centered life, unlike other people I know who haven’t changed, still caught up in their old ways, still “sinners.” Don’t these people realize that joining BLD can be the best decision they ever make?
- How many times have I said that I feel so blessed that I found BLD, a community of believers, just like me? As a result, now I go only to BLD events and only with my fellow believers. Why even associate with those other people, when I have BLD?
- How many times have I said that I feel so blessed, unlike some of my ME classmates who no longer go to Praise &Worship while my wife and I have attended religiously all these years? How many times have I said I feel so blessed because I fully participate in my BLD ministry, while the other members don’t even show up?
- How many times have I watched people not do enough for their parish and wondered why they don’t give or do more when I know for sure they can? Don’t these people realize that all these things are for the Lord and His church?
- I used to be like those people; but since my spiritual conversion, I’m not anymore. Yes, now I am pleased to be able to say that I have become His humble servant.
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 14:11)