Preaching | Luke 18:9-14 | God Justifies The Humble

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God Justifies The Humble

Preaching

Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C

Luke 18:9-14

Richard E. Gribble, CSC

The Parables Of Jesus

Applications For Contemporary Life

Jesus also 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.

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For March 8, 2026:

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Somewhere in my life I heard someone say something like, “The challenge with John (the gospel writer) is he is better at theatre than at writing.” The implications of this comment were about passages such as this one about Jesus and the woman of Samaria.

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Jesus reaches across every racial and cultural barrier, offering salvation to all.

Old Testament Lesson
Exodus 17:1-7
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Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)

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Streams of living water ... That's what the Son of God offered the Samaritan woman at the well, and that's what he offers us as well -- streams of living water -- life-giving, life-renewing, life-refreshing water that can satisfy those who drink so that we will never thirst again. We are offered water that satisfies our longings in life, water that nourishes our innermost selves, and water that comes from an active, living trust in God and a passionate faith in Christ.

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Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen. The pastor was trying to show some of his parishioners the church's new web page. With pride he had gathered them into his office after the Christian Education Committee meeting. He paused. "I don't do this very often ... We may have to try this another time," he said disappointed. "Try 'church,' " someone says, looking over his shoulder. The pastor types c - h - u - r - c - h. Amazingly the internet connection pops up on the screen. A password is a secret word given to gain entry. It can mean security.

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Knowledge that water is an integral ingredient of life was a concept not lost on the ancients. The great civilizations of the world located themselves near water and used it in most every aspect of their daily lives. The Egyptians built the world's first great empire along the Nile. In the midst of the desert a flourishing community existed and grew in size and strength. The water of the river provided the source of life for the people then as it does today. On both sides of the Nile a rich and fertile area exists for farming and grazing of livestock.

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Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him." Let us pray that we may be true worshippers today.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when we try to hide from you, forgive us.
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Jesus, when we fail to worship in spirit and in truth, forgive us.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when we neglect to reveal you to others, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.

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Here's a parable by a cartoonist named Saxon. It's about a fellow who has just reached retirement. Now he wonders about his place in society. He begins to spend much of his weekend time walking alone in the woods. One day he finds himself on an unfamiliar path that leads him to a small pond. As he stands beside the pond, the water begins to stir and bubble until there is a lovely little fountain. Astonishingly, a voice calls out to him: "Arnold Flagler! This is the Fountain of Youth!"

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Thomas WilladsenNazish NaseemChristopher KeatingKaty StentaMary AustinGeorge ReedDean Feldmeyer

Marian R. PlantDavid G. Plant

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Russell F. Anderson

Lee Griess

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Richard E. Gribble, CSC

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Dallas A. Brauninger

Wayne H. Keller

Janice B. Scott

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt

Keith HewittTimothy Smith

Wayne BrouwerSchuyler Rhodes

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This Week’s Scriptures

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant

Keith Hewitt
Timothy Smith

Wayne Brouwer
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