Humble prayer obtains God's mercy

Gospel • Luke 18:9-14

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The Gospel parable tells of two men who go up to the Jerusalem Temple to pray.

One is a Pharisee, a member of the group known for their religious piety; the other is a tax collector, often seen as a sinner in the eyes of society. The Pharisee is seen standing in the Temple. His posture already shows a certain type of arrogance, when he does not feel the need to prostrate before the majesty of God.

With a sense of superiority, he compares himself to the "rest of humanity" - whom he describes as "greedy, dishonest, adulterous"—or even like the tax collector. Although he begins with a thanksgiving to God for all the blessings received, he goes to list down his own merits and good works, such as fasting twice a week, and paying tithes (v 12).