Alternative Parables: #3 - The Better World

28/02/11 | Posted by MattPage

It was one of those church meetings that the media never seems to know exist: a circle of those desperate to make the world a better place passionately offering up their requests to God. As each prayed, the others listened earnestly to their friends' pleas, vocalising their agreement.

A woman took the mic...

 Photo by neocorsten, used under a Creative Commons licence.

“Lord I thank you that you have a plan to change this world, to make it fairer, more just somewhere that reflects your values. I pray that you’ll enable us teach the world a better way to live. Help us show those around us the damage that can be done by being cruel, living for themselves, sleeping around and ruthlessly pursuing money. Father, thank you that we’ve seen the folly in living like that. May we build a world where the poor are fed and bankers no longer give themselves massive bonuses, where justice rules and selfishness is no more.”

Of course, had the woman known that right there in their midst there was an investment banker, she would may not have been so indiscreet. But he kept quiet, hovering towards the back of the meeting, desperately trying not to draw attention to himself. As the others’ prayers rang out he managed to mutter under his breath “God be merciful to me…a sinner”.

And Jesus said, “I tell you, it was this man, rather than the others who went home right with God; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

(Based on Luke’s Gospel 18:9-14)

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