The Pharisees practiced a strict form of law
In those ancient of biblical days.
Ostentacious were they in their piety show
In the public scene when they would pray.



Today, in all churches the Pharisees thrive,
As they did in those biblical days.
There has been little change in the practicing of
Their sanctimonius ways.





"Oh God we give you great thanks that we
"Are not of the sinners breed.
"We go to our churches and follow strict rules,
"And sometimes in our bibles we read."





"Look at that filthy, old man clothed in rags
"In the back of the church on his knees.
"He doesn't know how he should act in a church.
"Why does he think God hears his pleas?"





They look with disdain and contempt on the ones
who do not conform to their laws.
If they would just pause and take stock of themselves,
there, too, they would find many flaws.





They are smug and complacent and content in their role.
They make their own rules for the church
They are confortable merely to "stay in the box".
No longer for God need they search.





Before I continue, I should pause and take stock
Of myself in all things that I do.
For I know to stop seeking the Presence of God,
I could be like a Pharisee, too.