“There is nothing sadder than a self-made man.” (or Woman)
I grew up listening to old sayings like this one, and they surface in my mind at
interesting times. This one flashed clearly upon my mind’s eye while reading today’s
lessons, followed closely by these quotes from The Book of Common Prayer.
“Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust” (Ash Wednesday Liturgy).
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (BCP, Burial).
It is so very easy to forget whence we came and wither we go in the hustle and bustle of
daily life. The Pharisee (Luke 18:9-14) had become so immersed in his role as a
religious leader that he had lost touch with the reality of being human—created in God’s
image, not an immortal deserving the blessings of his privileged life. His role in
organized religion had blinded him to his need of the Grace of God.
The day to day nastiness of the Tax Collector’s trade never let him forget the huge gap
between himself and Almighty God. He was blessed with the knowledge that only with
the Grace of God could he hope to obtain the promises of heaven. Talk about a blessing
in disguise!
Another old saying, “There but for the Grace of God go I,” seems to fit.
God be merciful to me, a sinner.
A Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing that you have made
and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may receive from you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Music
Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind :: The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk7SX3r59sc