Have you ever heard the tip that experienced drivers tell new ones
about dealing with policemen who catch them for a traffic violation?
“Always admit that you’re wrong and that the cop is right,” they say
“and he’ll let you go.” Jesus gives us the same advice about God our
heavenly Father. Just like the tax collector in today’s Gospel, if we
are honest about our imperfections and failings, we can count on
getting another chance.
It is easy to slip into the Pharisee’s frame of mind. We obey the Law.
In fact, we honestly try to do all the things required of us and more.
But when we sincerely examine our lives, we will see that nothing we do
will ever be worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary on our behalf.
We must constantly ask for the grace to see ourselves as we really are,
and then salvation can begin.
