of all that I possess.’ But the publican, standing afar off[1], would not so much as lift his eyes[2] towards heaven, but struck his breast[3], saying: ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I say to you, this man went down to his house justified[4] rather than the other. Because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
COMMENTARY.
Pride. The Pharisee sinned by pride: 1. He thought too highly of himself. 2. He did not give due glory to God. 3. He despised his fellow-men. His prayer, therefore, was no prayer; it was nothing but a discourse in praise of himself. With the utmost pride and self-righteousness he related to God all the good works he had performed (of which, however, he was only able to enumerate two), and implied that Almighty God must be very glad to have such a valuable servant as himself! Is it not loathsome and irritating to see a wretched man dare to extol himself before God in such a manner! Is not pride like this stupid and despicable! Of what good could his fasts be if he did not practise them with a conviction of his guilt before God, and in a spirit of penance? He had no longing for the Redeemer. He asked not for pardon, because he imagined himself to be a perfect servant of God, without sin, and therefore without need of pardon! This shows us how completely pride can blind a man.
Rash judgment. In his pride the Pharisee not only despised his fellow-men, but judged them rashly, putting them all down, collectively, as great sinners. He congratulated himself on not being a robber, and yet, all the while, he was robbing his neighbours of their good name! Pride makes a man uncharitable, for a proud man is so full of self-love that he cannot find room for the love of his neighbour!
A good intention. The Pharisee performed certain good works; but the good which he did lost all merit in the sight of God, because
- ↑ Afar off. Behind the other worshippers, not considering himself worthy to go near them.
- ↑ Lift his eyes. Casting down his eyes with a deep consciousness of his sinfulness.
- ↑ Struck his breast. This was to express his sense that he was worthy of punishment at the hands of God. By beating his breast publicly, he made an open confession that he was a great sinner. He neither extolled nor excused himself, but confessed his guilt and implored pardon. He did not trust in himself, but in the grace of God.
- ↑ Justified. The publican obtained pardon and grace from God on account of his humility and contrition.
