Thought For The Week 17 October 2021

I recently got caught in a Facebook discussion with folk who are upset at the government’s latest moves to mandate vaccination against Covid for teachers and health workers. What struck me most in this discussion was the tone of my interlocutors. They were very certain about the rightness of their views, as if they had cornered the market on truth and accurate information.

It reminds me of the parable Jesus taught of the Pharisee and the tax collector, praying in the temple (the subject of Rory’s sermon this morning). The Pharisee is confident in his rightness (or more accurately his own righteousness). He has carefully followed the requirements of the law- fasting, tithing, doing everything right. Because of his hard work and diligence in keeping the law he has little tolerance for those who have not done the hard yards.  Like the tax collector hiding in the shadows, wanting to draw near to God but hyper aware of his own sin and his need of God’s mercy.

Jesus commends the tax collector for his humility and accurate assessment of his need for God’s grace while the Pharisee, that paragon of virtue, goes away from God’s presence unjustified. He finishes with a timeless truth: “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted”.

How we need to remember that in these times when divisive issues are so readily aired on social media platforms.

Blessings,

Brent Richardson