Have you ever felt like you had to prove yourself—to God, to others, even to yourself?
What if the hardest thing to let go of isn’t our sins—but our need to measure up?

Today’s readings challenge us to rethink how we stand before God. The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable left the temple unchanged because he measured himself against others, clinging to his own sense of righteousness. The tax collector, in contrast, let go—of comparison, of control, of the need to justify himself.

And God met him there—not with judgment, but with mercy. friars.us

Luke 18:9-14.