Translation and Prayer of the Day for Luke 18:9-15

Here's a translation and prayer of the day for this week! Copyleft.

Peace, all!

~ Tom  

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Gospel: Luke 18:9-15

[Jesus told them a story about a woman who kept returning to a judge until, finally, he granted her justice (ἐκδικέω)–not because he was just, but because she was unceasingly persistent. He told the parable so that they would “not lose heart” in prayer. But some of them used it as an occasion to harden their hearts instead. “If I was there, and if I was the judge, they said, that widow would not be worn out, but happy.”]

[That is to say], they placed trust in themselves and were confident that [unlike that unjust judge] they were just (δίκαιος). So just, that they regarded others with contempt and judgment. [So, perceiving this reaction], Jesus told them yet another parable:

“Two people went up to the temple to pray. One of them was a person who was religious not only at the temple but even at home. The other was a tax collector (known also as 'traitor,' for short).

The very religious person, standing alone, was praying: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: robbers, frauds, floozies, or even this tax collector. I fast a couple of times each week. And a tenth of everything I receive, I give as designated gifts to this place...

Meanwhile, the tax collector, standing a greater distance from that holy part of the temple, refused to look upward toward the heavens. He was beating his breast (an expression of mourning), and saying, ‘God, be merciful toward me, for I am wicked!’

I tell you, [Jesus said], this person went back down to where he lived as one who had been made just, (δικαιόω) [that is, justified], unlike that other guy. 

For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Then the people began to bring even the tiniest of babies to him–so that he might offer a blessing for them.

Prayer of the Day
In each encounter, with each neighbor, we are given an opportunity to hurt and to condemn. Using words of faith, we have learned to lift ourselves up–to exalt ourselves–even if it means pushing those who are other to us deeper and deeper down. When we are tempted to make ourselves both judge and jury, O God, help us to put down the wig, robe, and gavel. Remind us that, underneath all of the show, we gather not because we have some special virtue or righteousness or ability, but because we need you. And we need grace. And we need love. Now and always. Amen.