The justified sinner

I'm astonished by who different the scriptures read to me in this season of life than they did a few years ago. In this now, every time I look at the Bible, the message of loving acceptance sings out.

Two passages from Saturday's readings are examples. The final line in the old testament reading was Hosea 6:6

For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice,
and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

The gospel reading was Luke 18:9-14

 Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
“Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity —
greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week,
and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Today's pharisee might say:

"O God, I thank you that I am not like the gays. I go to church, quote your words, and donate clothes to the needy."

Or my own new version:

"O God, thank you that I am not like the pharisees, and am wise enough to recognize your message of love."

Guard me Lord, from every form of pride. Help me to merely love.