The Pharisee or the Publican?

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the 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!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Our newest parochial vicar gave a family morning of reflection today before the Blessed Sacrament. It was balm to this soul after 3 days of sorrow, stress, and travel. 

The parable of the pharisee and the tax collector was the source of one of his meditations. Have you ever given thought to that reading? Which one are you---the pharisee or the tax collector? I'm sure even the best of us have a good portion of the pharisee within.