Be merciful to me, Lord

Our prayer should not be a person self - gratification or self - glorification but God's glorification. The publican in today's gospel teaches us about God's centered and never self-centered prayer. It is not about comparison, self-righteousness but humility and self-awareness.

The pharisee, in his pride, is full of himself, whereas the publican in his humility is filled with God, and he returns home satisfied.

God is gracious, kind, and merciful. Like the publican, may our prayer be a realization of our sinfulness, imperfections, and weaknesses in need of God's abounding mercy and grace.

Be merciful to me, poor sinner!

Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges sac