LUKE 18:9–14
THE PHARISEE AND THE TAX COLLECTOR
Text – Luke 18:9–14
9 He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.
10 “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
11 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.
12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
13 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.’
14 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.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Pharisees were respected for their strict observance of the Law, fasting, and tithing. Tax collectors, on the other hand, were despised as collaborators with Roman authorities and often associated with corruption. Prayer in the temple was a central religious act, usually accompanied by gestures expressing humility. The Pharisee’s prayer reflects a common Jewish style of thanksgiving but distorted by self-righteousness and contempt for others. The tax collector’s posture—standing far off, not lifting his eyes, beating his breast—was the classic expression of repentance. Jesus overturns expectations by declaring the tax collector justified rather than the Pharisee.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Justification—being made right with God—is a gift rooted in humility and repentance, not in self-reliance or external religious practices. Catholic theology teaches that pride closes the heart to grace, while contrition opens it. The Pharisee’s prayer demonstrates spiritual blindness: he trusts in his own virtue and compares himself to others. The tax collector stands as a model of interior conversion, expressing the humility required for God’s mercy. Jesus reveals that true righteousness comes from God’s grace received with a humble heart. This parable also prefigures the ethos of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where sinners encounter God’s forgiving love through sincere repentance.
Parallels in Scripture
Ps 51:17 – A contrite and humbled heart God will not despise.
Sir 35:17–18 – The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds.
Is 66:2 – God looks upon the one who is humble and contrite.
Lk 5:31–32 – Jesus came to call sinners, not the self-righteous.
Jas 4:6 – God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Key Terms
Justified – Declared righteous by God through grace.
Self-righteous – Trusting in one’s own virtue instead of God’s mercy.
Contrition – Sorrow for sin and desire for conversion.
Exalt / humble – The divine reversal central to Jesus’ teaching.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel appears in Lenten weekday liturgies and is central to catechesis on repentance, humility, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It teaches the faithful that God values sincerity of heart over external displays of piety. The parable also serves as a corrective to spiritual pride within the Christian community.
Conclusion
Jesus reveals that God justifies the humble, not the self-righteous. True prayer arises from acknowledging one’s need for mercy. The Pharisee trusts in himself; the tax collector trusts in God. Only the latter finds favor.
Reflection
Do I sometimes approach God with pride, comparing myself to others? Do I acknowledge my need for His mercy? Jesus invites me to cultivate humility and sincere repentance.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, give me a humble and contrite heart. Free me from self-righteousness and help me rely on Your mercy. May my prayer be sincere and my life be shaped by Your grace. Amen.