We continue to hear the theme about prayer. This time Jesus tells us about the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Two men went up to the temple to pray. One is a Pharisee, and the other is a tax collector. The former is seen standing in the temple. He exhibits a certain degree of haughtiness and arrogance wherein he doesn't need to prostrate before the presence of God. With a sense of superiority, he compares himself with the rest of humanity whom he describes as "greedy, dishonest and adulterous" like this tax collector. Though rightfully he starts his prayers with thanksgiving to God for his blessings received, he goes on to list down his own merits and good works such as fasting twice a week, and paying tithes.

Actually, as the commentary goes on to say, he is not praying to God, but to himself, since all his praises are self-laudatory and a reflection of himself. His whole attitude is contrary to God's ways who never looks down and despises sinners.

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Did you know that the Gospel of Luke is dubbed by most biblical scholars as the "Gospel of Prayer"? In fact, it is only the Gospel of Luke which has the following prayers which the Church uses: The Canticles of Simeon and Zechariah, the Magnificat and the "Lord's Prayer". St. Luke sees Jesus as the Man of Prayer.

Today's Gospel tells about the two main protagonists: the unjust judge and persistent widow. According to Ex 22:22 and Dt 10:18, judges are supposed to be champions of the poor, widows and orphans. But in the case of this judge, he is heartless, one who "neither feared God nor respected any human being." He answers to the widow's pleas and vexation to avoid being worn out or to avoid his losing his honor before the people. His attitude runs definitely in contrast with the God who is dealing with us and who hears the cries of the poor and outcasts.

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