Today’s Gospel from Luke 18:9–14 pierces through the illusion of self-righteousness and invites us into the quiet truth of humility. Two men enter the temple to pray. One stands tall, listing his spiritual résumé. The other stands back, eyes lowered, heart exposed. Only one leaves justified—and it’s not the one who boasted.
Jesus speaks this parable to those “convinced of their own righteousness.” It’s a warning, but also a tender invitation: to stop performing holiness and start confessing need. The Pharisee’s prayer is a mirror turned outward—judging others, measuring worth. The tax collector’s prayer is a mirror turned inward—“O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
This is the posture that justifies. Not achievement, but surrender. Not comparison, but contrition. In the kingdom of God, the lowly are lifted, and the proud are brought low. The temple becomes a place not of self-display, but of mercy’s embrace.
Today, may we enter that temple with empty hands and open hearts. May we beat our breast, not our drum. And may we leave justified—not because we are good, but because God is merciful.
Smitten With Goodness 