Homily to One Person Online

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent – 14 March 2026
Readings: Hosea 6:1–6 | Psalm 51 | Luke 18:9–14

Introduction

Today the Word of God invites us to look honestly at our hearts. During Lent, many people try to pray more, fast more, and give more. These are good things. But today's Gospel reminds us that God is not impressed by external performances. God looks at the heart.

The danger during Lent is that we may become religious on the outside but proud on the inside.

Humorous Story

A man once stood in church praying loudly:

“Lord, thank you that I am not like those people who come late to church… or those who sleep during the sermon… or those who never give money!”

While he was praying loudly, a little boy asked his mother:

“Mom, if that man is talking to God, why is he looking at everyone else?”

Sometimes our prayers are not really directed to God.
They are performances for other people.

That is exactly what Jesus warns about in today's Gospel.

The Word

In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about two men who go to the temple to pray.

One is a Pharisee, respected and religious.
The other is a tax collector, a man considered sinful and corrupt.

The Pharisee stands confidently and prays:

“God, I thank you that I am not like other people.”

He lists his achievements: fasting, tithing, good behavior. His prayer is not really about God—it is about himself.

The tax collector stands far away, not even raising his eyes to heaven. He simply says:

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Jesus then shocks his listeners. He says the tax collector—not the religious Pharisee—goes home justified before God.

Why?

Because God desires humble hearts, not religious pride.

This message connects beautifully with the first reading from Hosea. God says:

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

God does not reject religious practices. But He wants something deeper: a sincere relationship with Him.

Three Practical Lessons for Today

1. Pray with honesty, not performance

God already knows who we are. We do not need to impress Him.

Instead of pretending to be perfect, we can pray like the tax collector:

“Lord, have mercy on me.”

Honest prayer opens the heart to God's grace.

2. Never compare your spirituality with others

Comparison creates pride or discouragement.

The Pharisee compared himself to others. The tax collector looked only at God's mercy.

Your spiritual journey is between you and God.

3. Humility attracts God's grace

The Gospel ends with a powerful principle:

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Humility is not weakness.
It is the door through which grace enters our lives.

Inspirational Quote

“God is not looking for perfect people.
He is looking for humble hearts that trust His mercy.”

Conclusion

Today Jesus invites us to pray like the tax collector: simply, honestly, humbly.

Lent is not about showing God how good we are.
It is about allowing God to heal what is broken in us.

When we come to God with humility, we never go home empty.
We go home justified, forgiven, and loved.

Prayer

Lord God,
You see our hearts more clearly than we see ourselves.
Remove from us every trace of pride and self-righteousness.

Teach us to pray with humility like the tax collector.
Give us hearts that seek mercy rather than recognition.

During this Lenten season, help us grow closer to You,
not by appearances, but by sincerity of heart.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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