A Dose Of Smile

" God, have mercy on me". I said while beating my chest. Life had been quite a rollercoaster; working for and with the Romans hadn't been what I had expected. Also, I hadn't been anywhere close to the temple for such a long time. So, going to Jerusalem to see a relative gave me the opportunity to enter the temple to pray. As I said my five words of prayer, I noticed a Pharisee who was five metres away from me. I envied him dearly; my thoughts was that God would certainly answer his prayers way before mine. The Pharisees were wise and knowledgeable when it comes to the word of God - who could dare stand beside them to pray when they prayed - these were the 'righteous' men of Israel. Besides, tax collectors and the Pharisees weren't in any way best of friends - Derision, disgust and isolation in our community was what we always got. The contempt was strong but weren't we just doing our job? Following a heavy sigh, I said "God, I don't deserve t...