O God, be merciful to me a sinner

Hos 6,1-6; Ps 50; Lk 18,9-14
30 MARCH

Reading carefully the morality of the Pharisee, we note that it is made to consist of only two commandments: the seventh and the sixth. We know that justice consisted for him in observing the tradition of the ancients. Fasting was also according to men, not according to God, as revealed in the Book of the prophet Isaiah. In addition, he paid a tenth of what he had. This man is missing eight commandments. Above all, the eighth commandment that prohibits false testimony is missing. In truth we know that the Pharisees were fierce opponents of Christ Jesus. He was killed by them right using a false accusation. They falsely witnessed before God and the world that Jesus had blasphemed, while in reality he had revealed his truth. From this holiness he judges the publican and distances himself from him. While he is a man of light, the other is one of darkness. He is holy, the other is a sinner. He has the right to enter the temple. This right must be denied to the other. Yet it would have been sufficient to read a few passages from Sirach to know that sanctity rules every relationship of man with God and his brothers.

Do no evil, and evil will not overtake you; avoid wickedness, and it will turn aside from you. Sow not in the furrows of injustice, lest you harvest it sevenfold. Parade not your justice before the Lord, and before the king flaunt not your wisdom. Do not plot to repeat a sin; not even for one will you go unpunished. Say not: “He will appreciate my many gifts; the Most High will accept my offerings.” Be not impatient in prayers, and neglect not the giving of alms. Laugh not at an embittered man; be mindful of him who exalts and humbles. Plot no mischief against your brother, nor against your friend and companion. Delight not in telling lie after lie, for it never results in good.  Do not esteem yourself better than your fellows; remember, his wrath will not delay. More and more, humble your pride; what awaits man is worms. With your whole heart honour your father; your mother’s birth pangs forget not. Remember, of these parents you were born; what can you give them for all they gave you? With all your soul, fear God, revere his priests. With all your strength, love your Creator, forsake not his ministers. Honour God and respect the priest; give him his portion as you have been commanded: First fruits and contributions, due sacrifices and holy offerings. To the poor man also extend your hand, that your blessing may be complete; Be generous to all the living, and withhold not your kindness from the dead. Avoid not those who weep, but mourn with those who mourn; Neglect not to visit the sick –  for these things you will be loved. In whatever you do, remember your last days, and you will never sin (Cf. Sir 7,1-36).

Holiness according to God is another thing from holiness according to men. The Pharisee is holy according to men. He is not holy according to God. The publican is a sinner according to men, but justified by the Lord because of his humility, his repentance and his request for forgiveness. The Pharisee goes to the temple to praise himself. His is not prayer. It is vainglory and pride, because it is false humility. That of the publican is true humility and authentic prayer. The Lord is pleased with it and listens to it. While the Pharisee returns home with one more sin in his heart: it is the sin of judgment and condemnation.

He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity – greedy, dishonest, adulterous – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 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.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

No man is allowed to measure his holiness by having his heart as an instrument of measure. Holiness has only one meter: the heart of the Father through the heart of Christ. But who can measure it is the Holy Spirit, the only one who knows the heart of the Father.

Mother of God, Angels and Saints ensure that the Christian never falls into the sin of pride.