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After Pentecost     Pentecost 23     Luke 18:9-14

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (YC No 223)

To those who trusted in themselves,

Looked down on those who fail,

Who treated others with contempt,

The Rabbi told this tale.

A Pharisee and one who worked

Collecting tax for Rome,

When worshipping, one bowed his head,

And one felt quite at home.

 “My God, I thank thee that I am

Not like the rest of men.

I keep the Law; I worship well;

I know to sing ‘Amen’.

Adulterers and thieves should be

Banned from this holy place,

And tax collectors, like that one,

Are all a deep disgrace.”

Thus said the Pharisee with pride;

Judged that tormented soul

Who’d bowed his head in penitence.

He wanted to be whole.

 “It was this one, who”, Jesus said

“Went home renewed and blest.”

For those with pride shall surely fall,

But troubled souls find rest.

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