Luke 18:9-14
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Homily:

It is not our experiences that distinguish us, it is what we do with them that matters.

Some use their experiences as a source of comparison. Always measuring against others, and taking stock relative to what others have stacked up. They live on the concept of better or worse, nothing is ever enough.

Some use their experiences as a source of reflection. Paying attention to their circumstances and opening up to discipline (learning). They find quickly that what is, is all there is, and gratitude is the only way to see life’s beauty.