Reformation Sunday :20th Sunday after Pentecost

Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22

Psalm 84:1-7

Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Luke 18: 9-14

As a youth, I remember being told "when you point a finger at someone, three fingers point back at you." Honestly, I always thought that was kind of a ridiculous saying and to my knowledge have never used it . . . till now.  Part of my hesitancy in using it is that as soon as the words are spoken, a finger is being pointed by the one who speaks them.  It's surprising how often we become or do the very thing we criticize.  The real parable in this week's gospel lesson might not be the one written down on paper, but the one that is told in our reaction to it.  No sooner has the story been read than we point a finger and criticize the religious leader for his hypocrisy.  But in doing so, don't we become just like the religious leader, criticizing another for not being holy in the 'right way'?  Hypocrisy is alive and well.  In a way, it's unavoidable.  We all slip up, make mistakes, or speak without thinking.  The best, maybe, we can do is ask for forgiveness (from God and from each other) and the strength to try again. Or perhaps keep our fingers in our pockets and our mouths shut.

After reading the scriptures with someone else, use the following questions to start a discussion:

• Why do you think we are so quick to judge others?

• What impact do you think it has on people's perception of the church when they hear religious people criticizing others?