Commenting on a former White House staffer’s recent revelation that Vice President Mike Pence routinely converses with Jesus, comedian Joy Behar light-heartedly suggested on The View that Pence might be crazy.
As you might expect, the backlash has been savage. The right-wing media are in full cry, demanding ABC get rid of The View. Fox News, for example, aired the “controversy” more than 30 times last week.
And Pence responded to Behar’s questionable joke by claiming that his Christian faith is “probably” the most important thing in his life.
I wonder what Jesus would say to that.
I think the answer is in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus told us:
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Which of these two men does Pence resemble?
The vice president might want to discuss that parable with Jesus the next time they have a chat. And while he’s at it, he might want to beg for forgiveness. For the Good Book also warns us against taking the Lord’s name in vain.
