Jesus presents us with a picture of two people at prayer in the temple, one is a Pharisee and the other is a tax collector, (LK 18: 9-14).
The tax collector says he is a sinner and he sorrowfully confesses his sinfulness and asks for God’s mercy “O God be merciful to me, a sinner.”
The Pharisee claims that he is a good man who keeps the law, faithfully fulfilling every precept. The Pharisee is a model of faithfulness and holiness with one exception - his pride. He just compares himself to the tax collector. By right he should have been comparing himself with Jesus' holiness. How do I see myself with Jesus?
We pride ourselves on our achievements and we forget that pride cripples human hearts and and attitudes. Our basic need in our faith journey is God’s mercy and forgiveness. When we compare ourselves to the life of Jesus, all that we can say is: "O Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner."
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