Facing off PHARISEES! ~ B
Soul Snack 36/14 ... Pharisees are legend for a loveless heart and a law-filled mind. By their trade they ply misery and know little mercy.
The gift of the Pharisee is to see the flaws of their neighbor, while remaining equally skilled in ignorance to their own.
If you have eyes for the shortcomings of your neighbor and not your own, no feeling of mercy will arise in you but rather indignation. You will be more ready to judge than to help...#
Imagine if you will the worshipful posture of a Pharisee; the flowing beard and arms raised high in people attracting gestures.
In a pointed parable condemning self-righteousness Jesus taught the hitherto unknown value of humility. A Pharisee and tax-collector stood apart in prayer, in the temple. The Pharisee praised God for himself. He condemned the tax-collector in the same prayer.
Imagine if you will the worshipful posture of the tax-collector. Standing at a distance, he hung his head low, and with his hands he beat his chest. In sorrow the tax-collector only pleaded for divine mercy.
‘I tell you that this man (the tax-collector), rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ (Luke 18:14)
Heartache is the burden and legacy of the Pharisee toward others. Pride is the banana he eats, and the peel he will slip on.
Hardship cleanses the inner man of his Pharisee. Troubles evaluate the heart. For it is in suffering that misery becomes mercy.
Today's Soul Snippet:
"The Tree of Life is on high. Man climbs to it by the ladder of humility." ~ Hyperichius
ENJOY - Facing off Pharisees ~ A
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# Bernard of Clairvaux, The Steps of Humility and Pride (Kentucky, Cistercian Publications 1973) 41