March 21, Saturday Lenten Weekday

It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.--Hosea 6:6

Mass readings: Hosea 6:1-6 / Luke 18:9-14

Tax Collector and Pharisee

As I go around the prisons, I rub shoulders with people who have committed murder, rape, child abuse -- crimes I would never even consider committing. It's easy for me to think, ''There, but for the grace of God, go I,'' without fully realizing that this is the truth. I have in me the same passions, urges and desires as those behind bars. It's often just that I have not had the opportunity or the temptation to do these things.

I like to compare myself to the tax collector in the parable, but in reality I am more like the Pharisee. I see myself as somehow above others and take pride in my ''virtue.'' Jesus sees things differently, though. He says to me, ''The sinner, not his judge, went home justified.''

Prayer: Lord, teach me humility in Your sight.