HE ALSO TOLD THIS PARABLE to some who trusted that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt.

Two people went to church to pray, one an intellectual, the other a politician. The intellectual, standing by himself, was praying thus, "God I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, capitalists, conservatives or even like this politician. I garden, eat organic and shop fair trade."

The politician, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven but beat his chest saying, "God be merciful to me, a sinner!"

I tell you, this man went home justified rather than the intellectual; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.