Psalm 84: 1-7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Luke 18: 9-14 (Common English Bible)

This parable from Jesus shows the mind of two men, a tax collector and a Pharisee as they pray in the temple in Jerusalem. The prayer of repentance from the tax collector is very different compared to the self-righteous prayer of the Pharisee.

Both were Jews. Both are caught up in the imperial system of the Roman Empire. This reminds us that Jesus does not speak of individual moral choices but instead is focused on a realistic setting.

The question of this passage is how these two men respond when they pray to God. The Pharisee seems content in the conviction that his personal acts of piety can whitewash the evil of the system in which he is part of. The only realistic plea to God is one of mercy and not for boasting of one’s religious endeavors.

This parable challenges us in today’s cultural concerns the willingness of any church to face the truth of their part in structures of evil. Just think of thousands of women who were burned alive at the stake because they were accused of being a witch. Churches no longer do this, but still many churches have a more subtle evil in supporting things like greed, bigotry and racism. They are ignoring this evil beneath pious enthusiasm.

The live-and-let-live attitude of most of the world may make it difficult to judge the tax collector and the Pharisee. One brags about himself and the other has been a tax collector, but at least the tax collector humbled himself before God.

Jesus is offering a view about how God works. He reminds people God is part of their good deeds. It is a promise that human beings will learn to see themselves and their world in a different way. Their relationship with one another and with God will make good things become a reality.

Psalm chapter 84, is a hymn of devotion to God. It stands as one of the most loved Psalms written for the Hebrew Bible. It captures the essence of spiritual yearning and the deep desire to dwell within the presence of the Divine. For those who embrace a progressive Christian theology, Psalm 84 resonates a deep offering. It aligns with our own commitment to be inclusive, work for social justice, and a deeper relationship with God.  

In the reading from Psalm 84 it says, “How lovely are your dwelling-places, Yahweh Sabaoth. My whole being yearns and pines for Yahweh’s courts. My heart and body cry out for joy to the living God.” These verses reflect not only a physical desire but also a spiritual hunger for communion with the divine presence of God. In progressive Christian thought, the Psalmist’s hope transcends the boundaries of regular worship by inviting us to seek the sacred in the everyday moments of our lives.   

The Psalmist’s expression of his desire serves as a reminder the presence of God is not confined to a special location or rituals. But God is in our reach whenever hearts are open to our Creator. This is within our own understanding of the creation of the Big Bang, some 14 billion years ago.

Verses 5-7 of the Psalm it says, “Blessed are those who find strength from God.” Those are blessed whose hearts are focused on a pilgrimage and that doesn’t necessarily mean a physical pilgrimage. It could be a pilgrimage of one’s heart and mind. The Psalmist brings up the highway to Zion, which symbolizes the inward spiritual journey toward God. But the original meaning of Zion was fortification.

The mention of the “Valley of Baca” is thought of as a place of suffering or hardship. It brings up the fact one will encounter difficulties on their spiritual journey. However, the Psalmist transforms this valley of sorrow into a place of spring water. This is a powerful metaphor for the possibilities in their current situation. For those committed to a progressive Christian path, this transformation echoes our call to engage with the same pain and suffering of the world. We should not avoid these problems, but work toward healing and justice for all.

These verses change from reflection to petition, as the Psalmist begs God to listen and extend protection. In the context of progressive Christian theology, his petition can be seen as a call for divine justice and compassion. A prayer that acknowledges God as a source of protection can also challenge us to be a part of God’s justice and healing.

Psalm 84 offers a theology that invites us to a journey of faith. This psalm reminds us the true dwelling place of God is found not only in sacred places, but in the very fabric of our lives as we seek God’s love in all places.

As we meditate on Psalm 84, let it inspire us to pursue a life of faith on our own pilgrimage of any kind, inward or outward. In this journey we find our true home, a home where God’s presence is not just something we seek, but instead creating a world that reflects the kingdom of God on earth as it is written in the Lord’s Prayer. AMEN.