Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 75 No. 2, 2005.
Original scientific paper
Image of God or Ethics (Lc 18:9-14)!?
Mario Cifrak
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Luke is the Evangelist who systematically speaks of prayer through his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Instruction on prayer is found in the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (cf. Lc 18:9-14). Previously, the Evangelist spoke of those offering prayer and to whom it is directed - God. The persons in question are the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The Pharisee considers himself to be just. However, he does not achieve justification since he relies solely on the works of the Law. Feeling contempt for sinners, especially the Tax Collector, he demonstrates his own sinfulness, and likewise, exempts himself from the possibility of attaining justification because he believes in a God who justifies by the works of the Law. The tax collector in prayer beats his breast and pleads to God for mercy, because he considers only himself to be the sinner. God justifies him. His prayer manifests faith and the acknowledgement of his sinfulness. The comparison between the Pharisee and the Tax Collector illustrates the contrast in justification by the works of the Law and that of faith (cf. Acts 13:38-39). The supplicant in prayer addresses God whom Jesus preaches. The purpose of prayer is justification. The Law remains, but is insufficient since it opposes the will of God by which sinners are also called to justice. This is the true image of God.
Keywords
prayer; sinner; Law; faith; justification; image of God
Hrčak ID:
24590
URI
Publication date:
20.12.2005.
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