Tuesday, November 04, 2008


SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #393

" Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: 'O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 18:10-14)

A GOOD INTENTION: The Pharisee performed certain good work; but the good which he did lost all merit in the sight of God, because it was not done for the love of Him, but only for the gratification of his own pride; and he had therefore no good intention in doing it.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

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