Sermon for The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity, 2025

What if, in a way, the Pharisee’s prayer is a prayer of thanks from someone attempting to set a good example of what it means to follow God? Even if that’s the case, the Pharisee still does not go home justified. Why? Because even if he is, indeed, striving to set a good example, live morally, control his body, and give generously, he must still believe that God should count them in his favor and think that he needs to earn God’s love. 

Again, be wary, Beloved, for while God does indeed command us to do good works, which He prepared beforehand that we should walk in them, even so, one does not merit or earn God’s love by them. Many have fallen—perhaps, like this Pharisee—into the trap of works-righteousness, believing that their good works, or even their attempts at keeping the Law, should count in their favor with God: that they serve to gain His love or repay Him for it. Those who fall into this trap will often say things like, “God commands that I love Him and my neighbor, so that’s what I’ll do, and in that way, I’ll prove myself to Him,” or “God has done so much for me, so I need to show Him that.” They’ll talk about what they’ve done and how they’ve lived because that’s what being a Christian means to them. So also you, Beloved; when you describe your life as a Christian by what you do—even if it’s in response to what Christ has done and continues to do for you—you are, in essence, attempting to earn or prove God’s love; what’s more, you’ll begin to echo, in your heart, if not your mouth, the Pharisee’s sentiment: “I’m thankful for this and this; I’m thankful that I’m not like so-and-so.” 

Yet, the Christian life is not shaped and defined by what we do; the Christian life is the life of Christ given for you, to you. It’s given in the preaching of His Gospel, in the Holy Absolution, in the waters of Holy Baptism, and most especially here, in the blessed Sacrament of the Altar, where we receive from Him His true Body and Blood which He gave and shed for us. So, instead of describing your life as a Christian by what you do, describe it by pointing to what Christ has done—and continues to do—for you in His Word and Sacraments. 

Readings:

• Old Testament: Genesis 4:1-15

• Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:1-10

• Holy Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
  

Sermon: