I like to think of myself as a good person, patient, kind-hearted, and well thought of by others, with some faults here and there, until it strikes me that perhaps some of the worst sinners are the ones who sin naively.
I see the damage inflicted by the most religious people.
I take a look a the Pharisees while they look at Jesus with a duty to get rid of him.
It is a bit scary that I might be cut from the same Pharisaical cloth.
They are very confident in themselves. They were convinced they were right, and they refused other viewpoints for any discussion. I think of people I know who are like that.
Then I think of myself.
These Pharisees were judges of people. People were either good or bad. "There was never any good in someone who their prejudice said was bad." I think of some people who are like that today.
Then I think of myself.
If I make a list of all the "bad" people I know, I wonder how many of them might actually have a better heart than me.
These Pharisees did not like change. The establishment was always to be protected.
I see me sometimes.
The Pharisees were conformists. Even if they knew the accused person was not guilty, they would never be so bold to stand up to their peers to speak up.
I think of myself, with lowered head, for I sure do love to please.
So all I can really say is "Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
I believe he answers my prayer reminding me I am his child, and I mean a great deal to him. I try to see myself through his eyes, because even though he sees the sinfulness, he still says, "You are mine!"
Then I try to see others through those same eyes. Look at people I dislike. Maybe I need the same eyes to be compassionate and save me from the Pharisee deep within.
