March 5
March 5 - St. John Joseph of the Cross
Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity--greedy, dishonest, adulterous--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.' But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18: 9-14).
We are all sinners and we all need to grow closer to God. If we think we are great just because we do this or that, we are acting like the Pharisee.
Lord God, give me the strength to always remain humble, giving you all the glory.
Impact Sports: Am I obedient to all of the little things coach asks of the team?
Impact Life: Do I set a good example of obedience for my brothers and sisters?
