Luke 18:9-10
09/01/2025
- He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
- ‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’ (ESV)
Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers, according to the United States Department of Labor. Grover Cleveland signed the law which declares the first Monday in September as a national holiday to recognize the achievements of American industry.[1]
This week’s Gospel lesson, the parable about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, may not be about labor and management, but the attitude of each man in the story reflects not only their relationship with God, but with their neighbors.
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.’’
Two times each day, the priests and Levites in the Temple offered a sacrifice of atonement, acknowledging that God is the source of all blessings. These sacrifices were first commanded fourteen hundred years before the birth of Jesus as the children of Israel left Egypt and camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. While the lambs were offered on the altar, people would gather for prayer.
This week we will look at the prayers of both the Pharisee and the tax collector to discover their relationship with God.
May our Lord grant His rich blessings on this nation, especially His protection for those who are returning home on this holiday. Amen.