The problem of the Pharisee

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Third Week: Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 18:9-14*

*First Reading : Hos 6:1-6*

*The problem of the Pharisee*

*1) The problem of self-righteousness*

The Pharisee was over confident about his self righteousness

He is of the opinion that, he is right in everything and there no weakness in him 

He is superior than anyone else and there is no equal to him, in his society

*2) There is no dialogue with God*

The Pharisee is not in a position to listen to God 

He only speaks to God about his own greatness and achievements 

There is only monologue and there is no dialogue in his prayer 

*3) The Problem of Ego "I"*

In the approach of the Pharisee, the ego or *I* problem is very much seen 

All his sentences starts with *I*

I thank you

I am not like the rest of humanity

I am not greedy,

I am not dishonest

I am not adulterous

I am not like this tax collector.

I fast twice a week,

I pay tithes on my whole income.’

This *I* problem was bigger than anything else 

*4) Others are Sinners*

One side he considers himself as righteous person 

On the other side he considers others are sinners, adulterous, dishonest, greedy, selfish 

So others are all sinners. Only I am good. Such an attitude is very dangerous and disgraceful for oneself

*5) Wrong perception about Himself*

The Pharisee thought that he is good before God and God is pleased with such persons 

His perception is totally wrong. 

But the sad part of the story is that, the Pharisee is not able to realise that his perception about himself and others is biased and totally wrong 

Such an attitude ruins ones life and life becomes meaningless

*6) How about my Life?*

Who is resembling in my life? 

Pharisee or the tax collector? 

Am I suffering from the pharisaic syndrome, which is nothing but a hypocrisy? 

What about the simplicity and genuine attitude of the tax collector?

Am I ready to adopt the methodology of the tax collector??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*