The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost - October 26, 2025

Summary Mother Suzanne preaches on the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, emphasizing how Jesus turns expectations upside down by showing that the humble tax collector's prayer for mercy was more pleasing to God than the Pharisee's self-righteous prayer. She shares a personal story about judging a well-dressed man who came to their food pantry, only to discover he was a longtime volunteer and government worker who hadn't been paid due to the shutdown and desperately needed help feeding his five children. The sermon calls us to examine our tendency to judge others and instead recognize our own need for God's mercy and grace.  THE GOSPEL                                                                                                                                                           Luke 18:9-14  Jesus 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. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' 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 humble themselves will be exalted."  Artwork:  Pharisee and the Tax Collector, an 1882 painting by the French artist James Tissot