Humble Enough to Be Transformed

This week’s Gospel reflection from Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington, explores the transformative power of prayer and the radical grace of God. Building on last week’s call to “pray always and not lose heart,” the message dives into Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, revealing that true prayer is not about performance but about the posture of the heart.

Rather than casting the Pharisee as a villain and the taxcollector as a hero, the sermon invites listeners to see themselves in both characters. The Pharisee’s desire for control and certainty mirrors our own human tendencies, while the tax collector’s humility and openness to God’s mercy exemplify the heart posture that invites transformation.

Prayer, as taught here, is relational — a continual openingof the heart to God’s grace. It’s not about earning salvation through perfect actions, but about being honest, humble, and receptive. Even in the midst of sin, God’s love and mercy are available to those who are open to relationship.

This reflection emphasizes that all who humble themselveswill be exalted, not through self-righteousness, but through dependence on God and connection with others.

All are welcome to participate fully at Church of the Redeemer.
✅All races.
✅All religions.
✅All countries of origin.
✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.
✅All genders.

Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 Northeast 181st Street inKenmore, Washington. We are a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

The Episcopal Church welcomes you.