Humility is, in my mind, a lovely but too-little valued personal characteristic.  While some perceive humility as a weakness, or an expression of low self-esteem, I've witnessed individuals with great confidence and self-assuredness express beautiful humility when they engage with others in such a way as to say, "Mine is one of many perspectives" or "Your thoughts and feelings on this matter are as important as my own"; "I'm not better than..." or "I have something to learn here".  

In the context of our faith, humility may be viewed in the behavior of our Gospel lesson's tax collector, while judgmental arrogance is seen in the behavior of the Pharisee.  And while it may be true that the Pharisee generally makes decisions and conducts himself in ways that on paper could be measured as more pious, it is his attitude that is the problem.  He genuinely sees himself as 'better than', placing some personally calculated value on his own sins that he compares favorably to the sins of others.  That is, if he sees himself as a sinner at all.  The Pharisee's arrogance apparently blinds him to the truth that every child of God must face: we are all sinners.  We have no way of knowing how God sees one sin's value against another, and this parable makes clear that God will exalt that sinner who will humble herself to speak her truth.  It is the humility of the tax collector, and our own humility in acknowledging our flaws and sins as well as our gifts and talents, that God will reward.  

We are learning, growing, developing creatures that become ever-more wise, increasingly compassionate, and better models of Christ's teachings NOT when we lord ourselves over, or judge and condemn others, but when we focus inward and take true inventory of ourselves;  when we honestly and with great humility stand before our God, as did the tax collector, to acknowledge that we are not worthy of - have not earned - God's mercy, but get to receive it anyway.  

During Lent, as we reflect on and prepare for  Christ's death on the cross and the grace that comes to us as a consequence, I pray that we are humble and grateful and filled with God's peace, embracing and sharing that peace and grace with all the other seekers and sinners who are imperfect - just like each of us.  Amen.