Universal Utterings
for March 14, 2026
A Godcast
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03-14-2026 Luke 18 v0914 O God Be Merciful To Me A Sinner
The Gospel of Luke Chapter 18 Verse 9 thru 14
9 He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. 10 “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus presents a powerful parable contrasting two figures who approach God in prayer: a proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector. The Pharisee, full of self-righteousness, boasts about his good deeds, thanking God that he is not like other sinners. In stark contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, unwilling even to lift his eyes to heaven. He humbly beats his chest and implores, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
This parable highlights the core message of humility and repentance. To “humble oneself” means to acknowledge and admit one’s own sinfulness before God—a step crucial for spiritual growth. The tax collector exemplifies true humility by recognizing his unworthiness and his need for God’s mercy. He does not come with a list of accomplishments or reasons to merit God’s favor; instead, he seeks reconciliation with a contrite heart.
True humility involves recognizing that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). It invites us to examine ourselves honestly, admitting our shortcomings and failures. The road to reconciliation lies not in self-justification but in sincere confession of our sins and asking God for forgiveness. This act of contrition opens the door to grace, allowing God to transform our hearts and restore our relationship with Him.
As we reflect on this passage, let us remember that the humble heart is the one that receives God’s approval. Jesus concludes by stating that the tax collector, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified before God. May we all strive to approach God with humility, admitting our need for forgiveness and seeking His mercy, for it is only through such humility that we can experience true reconciliation and blessing. Amen.
Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. Novena Day Two for Paula Templeton. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.
I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20
03-14-2026 Luke 18 v0914
**O God Be Merciful To Me A Sinner**
In the temple’s solemn space,
Two men approached to seek God’s grace.
One stood tall, with pride alight,
The other, shrouded in humble might.
The Pharisee raised his voice in prayer,
“God, I thank Thee, I’m beyond compare.
I fast and give, my heart is pure,
From wicked ways, I shall endure.”
But nearby, in shadows deep and gray,
A tax collector knelt in absolute dismay.
His heart weighed down by guilt and sin,
Bowed in whispers to the Almighty within:
“O God, be merciful to me, a wretch I confess,
I know my faults, I’m lost and a mess.
Not worthy of Your gaze, I plead,
Forgive my heart, my soul, my greed.”
The proud man’s voice rose high and clear,
Yet heaven’s gate stayed cold and drear.
While humbly bowed, the sinner cried,
And found the mercy deep inside.
For God delights in the lowly heart,
From prideful hands, He’ll drift apart.
In every tear, in every sigh,
The humble soul will always comply.
So take this tale within your heart,
And from the way of pride depart.
For in God’s eyes, true worth is shown:
It’s not the boastful, but the meek, who’ve grown. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
March 14, 2026 @ 04:59 AM EST
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