Trinity 11, 2025. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Jesus contrasts two men praying in the temple: a proud Pharisee who boasts in his works, and a repentant tax collector who pleads, "God, be merciful to me, the sinner." The parable shows that humility and faith, not self-righteousness, receive God’s mercy.

Through Christ’s atoning sacrifice our sin is covered, the guilty are justified, and believers are called to come humble before God and share that mercy with others.