Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and tax collector reveals why God's heart is drawn to those who recognize their need for mercy. The self-righteous Pharisee listed his religious accomplishments and looked down on others, while the humble tax collector simply pleaded for God's mercy. Jesus declared the tax collector righteous, not the Pharisee. This story teaches us that Jesus loves sinners because they know they need to grow, they don't judge others harshly, and ultimately, we are all sinners in need of grace. The danger lies in spiritual pride that causes us to feel superior to others rather than approaching God with humility. 

Christians live in constant tension between God's kingdom and the fallen world around us. Like the persistent widow in Jesus' parable who refused to give up seeking justice from an unjust judge, believers must maintain unwavering prayer despite opposition. The world often tells Christians to stay silent, but we're called to persist like Walter Payton rushing forward despite being knocked down every few yards. Prayer serves as our bridge between these two kingdoms, providing strength to advance God's mission. Through persistent prayer and community support, we can thrive in this tension rather than merely survive it. 

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Exaltation of the Cross

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time