The Prayer of the Pharisee and The Tax Collector

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Third Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 18:9-14*

*First Reading :Hos 6:1-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab*

*The Prayer of the Pharisee and The Tax Collector*

*1) Similarities between Them*

Both Went to pray 

Both went the temple

Both went to the same temple

Both went at the same time 

Both prayed to the same God 

Both felt the need of prayer 

Both prayed at the presence of God 

Yet the Tax collectors prayer was heard. But the Pharisees prayer was rejected 

*2) The Pharisee's Prayer (Self-Righteousness)*

The Pharisee stands proudly, thanking God that he is not like other sinners (including the tax collector).

He boasts about his religious practices: fasting twice a week and tithing on all he has.

His prayer is not really a plea to God but a self-exaltation, highlighting his own merits.

*3) The Tax Collector's Prayer (Humility and Repentance)*

The tax collector stands at a distance, unable to even lift his eyes to heaven.

He beats his breast in sorrow and prays a simple yet powerful prayer: "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!"

Unlike the Pharisee, he acknowledges his sin and seeks God's mercy.

*4) True Righteousness Comes from God, Not Self*

The Pharisee trusted in his own religious achievements, while the tax collector trusted in God’s mercy.

This reminds us that we are justified by grace, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

*5) The Danger of Pride in Spiritual Life*

The Pharisee had outward religiosity but no inner humility.

His attitude was judgmental, thinking he was better than others.

This serves as a warning against self-righteousness, even for those active in religious practices.

*6) The Power of Humble Prayer*

The tax collector’s simple prayer, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” is a model of true repentance.

God hears the prayers of the humble (Psalm 51:17—“A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise).

*7) Jesus’ Conclusion*

Jesus declares that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God.

The principle: "For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 18:14)

How about my prayer?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*