Upside Down

This Sunday we'll explore the well-known parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.  As always in Jesus’ parables, the details matter, and here we have some interesting features. We note that the two men went up to the temple to pray, so there is a special public context. And both of them stand apart, yet for different reasons. 

Our perceptions of ourselves, our community, and God are inextricably woven together. How these perceptions are shaped is complex, depending on our relationships, our religious beliefs, our experiences, and our actions. They affect how we treat each other...and how God will treat us.  

Jesus teaches us how to experience and create “belonging” As usual, there’s a great “upside down” punchline!