In our Gospel today we hear that the Pharisee, "standing by himself, was praying thus" (Lk 18: 11 NRSV version). The literal translation, which I prefer, is "praying to himself." In this way it is clear that the Pharissee is not praying at all! He is slapping himself on the back and reinforcing his self-righteousness by passing judgment on the tax collector. God has nothing to do with his "prayer" especially when we consider a definition of prayer is "to raise one's heart and mind to God." Not only that the Phariseee is standing where everyone can see him so he can appear pious in their sight. The tax collector, for his part, is marginalised where few people can see him "standing far off" (Lk 18: 13) Yet, he is the one doing the praying as he implores: "God, be merciful to me a sinner!" (Lk 18: 13) We are all in need of God's mercy: "For there is no distinction , since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rm 3: 23), and, "If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned we make him (God) a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 Jn 1: 8-9) As we near the conclusion of the Year of Mercy let us uproot all self-righteousness from our hearts and, like the tax collector, approach with humility the throne of grace.
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