YOU ROCK THE HOUSE

Jesus, help me be joyful when good things happen, but not hurtful to people who aren't happy! Amen.

"Two men went to a temple [like a church]," Jesus said. "One stood up front and prayed, 'God, I'm so glad I'm a good person. I obey the law and give money to the temple -- not like that terrible tax collector!' But the tax collector, who was seen as a bad person, stood in a corner and bowed his head, saying, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'" Jesus finished, "The tax collector was the one God was happy with. Those who show off will be humbled, but those who are humble will be made great."

"I am the man!" you yell, showing off the karate belt you just earned.

"I rock the house!" you tell everyone, displaying an "A" on a test.

Jesus would never begrudge anyone taking a minute to feel proud of themselves for hard work. But, in this week's Gospel (Luke 18:8-14), He has a little advice: "Don't go too far with that."

When something great happens in your life, especially something that took a lot of work, you have every right to be joyful about it. Jesus always advised people to be like kids, and everyone knows that kids are great about showing their happiness.

The first guy in the Gospel, however, is another story. He doesn't just say, "God, thanks so much for helping me have a good week;" he goes on about what an awesome, incredible person he is -- MUCH better than everyone else. He even picks on some poor guy nearby as an example!

The man being picked on has a better attitude. He knows he's an ordinary person who makes mistakes, and he asks God for help.

It's okay to feel like you rock the house sometimes, because you do! Jesus just wanted us to remember everyone doesn't have a good week at once.

Give thanks when you're successful -- but don't trash someone who's struggling. Next week might be their turn to rock!