The gospel lectionary reading for the so-called Last Sunday after Trinity in Year C is Luke 18.9–14, the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-collector. We are now (as we have been for a few weeks) in the thick of distinctively Lukan material.
Although with distinct Lukan phraseology and concerns, this is a masterpiece of storytelling by Jesus in his customary style. It raises important theological issues, and is rich with interest for preaching.
Join Ian and guest contributor Dr Mark Bonnington as they explore the text, the questions it raises, and how we might preach on it.
At one point you said “he throws himself on The mercy of God” and at another “ bringing people into land”. My mind drifted off into a flight of fancy. I imagined Heathrow- the mercy of God where the toll collector came into land. The Pharisee is a large jet supposedly talking to the tower as it leaves the apron and makes its way to line up for take off. Unfortunately he’s not listening to the control tower, he’s just making the usual noises for a routine flight “ Dear Lord and Father we come to you in and through… “ bla bla bla, etc etc. meanwhile approaching the same runway is a small aircraft in distress. His words to the tower are urgent and to the point. He needs to land.
How infuriating and scary does the small plane seem to the large aircraft whose routine , majestic intonations are rudely interrupted.
Thank you both
Thank you for the explanation of the Didache on the days of fasting, that it distinguishes Christians from Jews (defining the communities in that overlapping period).
Interesting to see that the Pharisees were practising social distancing in public worship!