A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Posted bywillwillimonPosted inBlog Posts

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector….

God I thank thee that I am not like other men–liars, serial adulterers, crude locker-room misogynists, tax assessors and collectors.

I have never committed adultery with anyone, naturalized or otherwise,

I have never declared bankruptcy and left my creditors holding the bag, and I do not own a luxury resort in Florida,

I shall file my tax return on April 15 (which I’m glad to make public if anybody wants to see it) and shall, once again pay my federal tax–which is more than some people can say, even though they are paid by federal funds,

I have never created a bogus foundation. In fact, I give half of all my taxable income to charity even though my income is not in the top 1%,

My children both went out and found employment for themselves without my having to create positions for them,

Even though the press has sometimes told lies about me, I have never called The News & Observer an enemy of the American people,

I’ve never taken out a full page ad in The New York Times to tell lies about the President’s birth,

I’ve never avoided military service (First Lieut. Armor) through repeated pleas that I’m physically unfit,

My wife has never given a plagiarized a speech, though I admit I have personally swiped a few ideas and slogans from Tim Keller.

God, I thank thee for me! Your humble servant, Will Willimon. Amen.

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but All who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted. (Lk 18:9-14) 

12 thoughts on “A Prayer for Ash Wednesday”

  8. Excuse me, but I am not sure if you said what you think you said? Are you a pharisee? on purpose? Our President is a man of questionable morals, and profligate lies, but he is one of God’s children, too. I get to pray for him, not judge him. I am not fit to judge anyone. The minute I set myself up as judge, I am no longer living in Grace.

    On Wed, Mar 1, 2017 at 8:05 AM, A Peculiar Prophet wrote:

    > willwillimon posted: “He also told this parable to some who trusted in > themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two > men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax > collector…. God I thank thee that I am not like other men–” >

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  10. I hope Donald Trump got this one, not that I believe it would have done any good…

    In the ABUNDANCE of water THE FOOL IS THIRSTY….

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  11. Can you explain the meaning of this parable? Are you demeaning the President, or starting that those who note his sins, or flaws, should consider their own? I do not understand.

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