Both the Epistle and the Gospel for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity are rich passages that bring up several important themes. Among other things, the Gospel from Luke 18 emphasizes God's mercy toward humble and penitent sinners such as the tax collector. This theme of divine mercy is also emphasized in the opening words from the Collect of the Day: "O God, who declarest thy almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity...."
Frequently, when we human beings think of divine power, we tend to think about creation, amazing miracles, extraordinary natural phenomena, or divine judgments against sin. We can certainly see manifestations of divine power in such things, and we should appreciate them. However, today's Gospel and the words of the collect point us in a very different direction. Although God's creative work and His justice are notable expressions of His power, His grace, pardon, and mercy are even more powerful. Like both the Pharisee and the tax collector, we are all sinners in one way or another. We all deserve judgment and separation from God. Nevertheless, God is loving and merciful, and if we are open to His grace expressed in Jesus Christ, then we can humbly repent, receive divine mercy, and be justified or set right with God. God's power is chiefly declared through His love, mercy, and compassion! That is certainly Gospel or Good News!
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