Luke, 18
13. The tax collector stood some distance away, not daring even to raise his eyes to heaven; but he beat his breast and said, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner."
13. The tax collector stood some distance away, not daring even to raise his eyes to heaven; but he beat his breast and said, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner."
St. Luke 18 presents some of the best known parables of Jesus, such as that of the Pharisee and the publican, that of the unfair judge and that of the rich man. The chapter also addresses the importance of faith and humility in the Christian life, as well as emphasizing the need to abandon riches and follow Jesus. Below are five verses related to these themes:
James 4:10: "Humiliate you before the Lord, and he will exalt you." The parable of the Pharisee and the publican in Luke 18:9-14 highlights the importance of humility before God. This verse of James reinforces this idea, emphasizing that those who humble themselves before God will be exalted by him.
Hebrews 11:6: "Now, without faith it is impossible to please him, because it is necessary that he who approaches God believes that he exists and is a rewarding of those who seek him." Faith is another important theme in St. Luke 18, particularly in the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. This verse of Hebrews 11:6 highlights the importance of faith in the Christian life, stating that it is impossible to please God without it.
1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of ills; and in this greed some have deviated from faith and pierced themselves with many pains." The parable of the young rich in Luke 18:18-23 emphasizes the need to abandon riches and follow Jesus. This verse of 1 Timothy 6:10 points out that love of money can lead to the removal of faith and many pains.
Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two gentlemen; for either he shall hate one and love the other, or he will dedicate himself to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches." The parable of the rich young man also addresses the conflict between serving God and serving riches. This verse of Matthew 6:24 emphasizes that it is impossible to serve both at the same time.
James 1:27: "The pure and without macula religion towards our God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and the widows in their tribulations and to be exempt from the corruption of the world." The parable of the Pharisee and the publican highlights the importance of humility and justice, and this verse of James 1:27 emphasizes that part of our responsibility as Christians is to take care of the underprivileged and keep pure before God.
“É sempre necessário ir para a frente, nunca para trás, na vida espiritual. O barco que pára em vez de ir adiante é empurrado para trás pelo vento.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina