The Gospel According to Luke

He also taught them by a parable that they must always pray and never lose heart.

"In a certain town," He said, "there was a judge who had no fear of God and no respect for man.

And in the same town was a widow who repeatedly came and entreated him, saying, "'Give me justice and stop my oppressor.'

"For a time he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, "'Though I have neither reverence for God nor respect for man,

yet because she annoys me I will give her justice, to prevent her from constantly coming to pester me.'"

And the Lord said, "Hear those words of the unjust judge.

And will not God avenge the wrongs of His own People who cry aloud to Him day and night, although He seems slow in taking action on their behalf?

Yes, He will soon avenge their wrongs. Yet, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?"

And to some who relied on themselves as being righteous men, and looked down upon all others, He addressed this parable.

"Two men went up to the Temple to pray," He said; "one being a Pharisee and the other a tax-gatherer.

The Pharisee, standing erect, prayed as follows by himself: "'O God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people--I am not a thief nor a cheat nor an adulterer, nor do I even resemble this tax-gatherer.

I fast twice a week. I pay the tithe on all my gains.'

"But the tax-gatherer, standing far back, would not so much as lift his eyes to Heaven, but kept beating his breast and saying, "'O God, be reconciled to me, sinner that I am.'

"I tell you that this man went home more thoroughly absolved from guilt than the other; for every one who uplifts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be uplifted."

On one occasion people also brought with them their infants, for Him to touch them; but the disciples, noticing this, proceeded to find fault with them.

Jesus however called the infants to Him. "Let the little children come to me," He said; "do not hinder them; for it is to those who are childlike that the Kingdom of God belongs.

I tell you in solemn truth that, whoever does not receive the Kingdo