The Sin Of Comparison - New Evangelizers

Today’s Gospel reading from the book of Luke shows us the two main ways that people respond to God in prayer, and how easy it is to deceive ourselves into thinking that we are on the path of holiness, growing in virtue
The Pharisee in this story believes in his own righteousness, and as he tots up the list of his virtues, he does seem to be following the Law and walking in the path of virtue. But is he really?
The Pharisee is looking up at God and all around at everyone else. He finds fault with everyone who is there, elevating himself above them all in a vain attempt to justify himself before God. He doesn’t actually look at himself in his mental mirror and take stock of the only thing within his control and sphere of responsibility. He is virtuous in his own eyes and is proud of it. And in his judgement of those around him, he has put himself in God’s place.
The tax collector on the other hand, sees unaware of the people round him. He only has eyes for God. Unlike the Pharisee, he does not look at anyone else. He does not even dare to look up at God as the Pharisee does. Instead, he begs for mercy, knowing that he cannot justify himself.
If we reflect for a moment, we know that the man who was justified by God was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, because he put himself in the proper relationship to God. But which one was held in esteem by those around him? The Pharisee put on a good appearance of holiness, and people would have honored him just because of his position. The tax collector was esteemed by no one’ was called sinner and traitor. Yet he is the one praised by Christ.
This should give us pause when we find ourselves totting up our own virtues while judging our brothers and sisters. Or totting up the apparent virtues, or lack thereof, of the people around us. We should be examining our own consciences, humbly asking God to help us truly repent and to forgive us. That is all that we can do, all that is within our control. We are responsible for our own walk of holiness, and even that we cannot handle without God’s help. We cannot see into the depths of our own hearts, let alone anyone else’s. Only God can do that. Let us not justify ourselves, but let God do it, for only then will we find ourselves on the path to holiness.

Copyright 2016, Carol Ann Chybowski

Carol Ann Chybowski

Carol Ann Chybowski is a long time member of the Catholic Writers Guild. She has published book reviews at various websites and appears in two volumes of A Community of Voices: An Anthology of Santa Barbara. When not busy about her parish, Carol Ann can be found knitting, gardening, or on horseback.