Lk 18:9-14: “O God, have mercy on this sinner”

This parable addressed to “those who consider themselves righteous and despise others” is a warning against spiritual self-sufficiency and religious pride. The Pharisee’s prayer lacks humility because it is centered on himself and not on God. Instead, the tax collector simply pleads, “O God, have mercy on this sinner.” It is a short, humble and sincere prayer, which recognizes one’s own weakness and trusts in God’s mercy.

Salvation does not depend simply on accumulating merits, but on humbly opening oneself to God’s gratuitous love. It does not consist in showing off before God, but in presenting oneself as sinners and called.

Feeling superior to others is a constant temptation in the life of every believer. What counts is not appearances or comparisons, but sincerity and trust. God does not stop at appearances, but looks at a repentant and humbled heart. How do we look at others from our faith?