together, yet alone

What strikes me today about the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is the description of the two men's locations.

Two men went up to the temple to pray,

The temple was a bustling place, full of people, animals, vendors, full of life. I imagine it somewhat like the Washington National Cathedral - constantly something going on; tour groups wandering, docents talking, the faithful praying, homeless seeking shelter, communities worshiping, lectures happening, pilgrims seeking - never a dull moment

The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying

And yet, somehow we find the Pharisee standing by himself. Is this perhaps a metaphor for his place in society; above all others Is this perhaps a metaphor for his posture at this time of prayer; nose pointing toward heaven aware only of himself? Is this perhaps a physical reality; he would be allowed where others weren't, was he actually alone as he uttered his prayer to the god of himself?

the tax collector, standing far off,

And yet, somehow we find the tax collector standing at a distance. Why does he stay away? Is he afraid to get too close to the holiness that flows from the Temple? Does he know that the Pharisee is thanking God that he is not like the tax collector? Is he that ashamed of himself that he can't even get close?

In this story we have two examples of a life lived in community, yet completely alone. So often we think that this is a new, western, phenomenon, but as the saying goes, "there is nothing new under the sun." We are still walking around feeling alone in this big world; some because our pride refuses to allow us to engage the messiness and some because our guilt and self-loathing won't allow us to recognize the goodness within us. It isn't new. But God is a lot more understanding of the second sort of loneliness; he'll help us and heal us and exalt us out of our funk. The first, well, that's a different story.