The Scriptures today continue to turn our hearts and minds toward prayer — not just words or rituals, but the whole person opening to God.
In today’s Gospel, two people go to pray. The Pharisee, respected and devout, thanks God for his own goodness. The tax collector, despised and broken, simply says, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Jesus praises the latter.
True prayer begins in humility — the honest recognition that we are sinners and need God. Pride blinds us, convincing us that we have no need for grace. But humility opens the door to mercy and restores our relationship of love with God and neighbor.
Like the tax collector, we need to come before the Lord in truth, aware of our need. The Eucharist and Reconciliation help us live this humility.
Those who humble themselves will be exalted — not by their worthiness, but by God’s infinite love.
Living in Love with God 
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