But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’

luke 18:13

Luke 18:9-14

Reflection

Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector who go to pray. The Pharisee thanks God that he isn’t like other men who sin. The tax collector beats his breast and begs God to have mercy on him, a sinner.

How often are we like the Pharisee, believing ourselves better than others? It can be easy to have the ‘holier than thou’ attitude towards others, especially those we perceive as bigger sinners than ourselves.

Yet Jesus tells us that if we exalt ourselves, we will be humbled. We should always have the attitude of the tax collector, who knows he is a sinner and asks for mercy. We are all sinners and need God’s mercy – let us not forget that.

Pray for growth in humility and the desire for God’s mercy. Ask the Lord to show you how to humble yourself in all circumstances of life, so that you can walk in his love always.

---

Saint of the Day

St. Berthold: 1155 – 1195

St. Berthold may be the founder of the Carmelite order. Regardless, he did found a monastery on Mt. Carmel and led the community for many years.   St. Berthold, pray for us!