In prayer, our hearts communicate with God, who knows us intimately. He honors those with genuine humility who acknowledge their sins. As sinners, we must seek His mercy for forgiveness and the grace to become holy and worthy.

In today’s Gospel (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus shared a parable about two men praying at the temple: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee was self-righteous, while the tax collector was humble and repentant. Ultimately, only the tax collector was justified, as his humility led him to seek God’s mercy for his sins.

In Jesus’ time, Pharisees were knowledgeable about the law and often looked down on others, especially public sinners like tax collectors. Tax collectors were seen as traitors for collecting taxes for the oppressive Romans and often cheated their fellow Jews. In the Gospel, the Pharisee boasted about his fasting and tithing, believing these made him righteous. In contrast, the tax collector, unworthy and humble, simply asked God for mercy. Jesus stated that only the tax collector’s humble plea was granted, emphasizing that “those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

In our prayers, we should reflect on the attitudes of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Instead of boasting about our good deeds, we must seek God’s mercy, acknowledging our need for forgiveness. Self-righteousness can block us from His grace; only those who recognize their sins can be justified and receive the grace to pursue holiness. None of us is worthy to approach God without our sins forgiven. The Sacrament of Confession allows us to experience Jesus’ mercy, as He forgives our sins and grants us grace. To partake worthily of the Holy Eucharist, we must humbly seek God’s mercy and embrace His love.

Let us look to our Blessed Mother as a model of humility. We ask her to pray for us, sinners, in every “Hail Mary,” knowing she intercedes for us with her Son, Jesus Christ. Like her, may we stay faithful to God, who exalts the humble heart.

~Fra. Ronel

FROM SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS TO SURRENDER

I used to believe righteousness was something I had to earn – one good deed at a time. I leaned on spiritual disciplines, moral choices, and service, thinking they made me right with God. I felt secure when I checked the boxes: church, prayer, service. But deep down, I was trusting my own efforts more than His mercy.

Then I read the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. I saw myself in the Pharisee – confident, proud, listing spiritual achievements. His prayer wasn’t a plea for help; it was a performance. He didn’t seek connection with God, only comparison with others.

I realized I had been doing the same. My prayers came from pride, not need. I was clinging to my own righteousness, hoping it would be enough. But the tax collector was different. He didn’t stand tall or justify himself. He came broken, whispering, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” And Jesus said he went home justified.

That truth humbled me. All my striving, all my spiritual pride – none of it could save me. Only mercy could. Letting go of my self-righteousness felt like losing control, but it was the beginning of freedom. I stopped trying to prove myself and started coming to God with empty hands. In surrender, I found grace – not because I earned it, but because He gave it.

This passage reminds me: God isn’t looking for perfect words or flawless actions. He’s looking for a heart that knows its need for Him. A heart that’s honest, humble, and willing to be real – even when it’s messy.

—m’jenn

PRAYER TO START THE WEEK

Lord Jesus, help me stay humble and real in my faith. Keep me from comparing myself to others and remind me that I need Your mercy every day. Teach me to pray with honesty and trust in Your love. Lift me up, Lord, and guide me to live with a heart that pleases You. Amen.

FAITH IN ACTION CORNER

Reflect: Check your attitude in prayer

When I pray, I sometimes

__ compare myself to others

__ get distracted

__ feel thankful

__ feel not good enough

__ feel close to God

What helps me stay humble: _____________________________________________________.