One of the greatest challenges in the spiritual life is finding the courage to come before God just as we are. So often, we think we must have everything together before approaching Him — that we need to fix our mistakes, hide our flaws, or somehow “earn” His love. But today’s Gospel reminds us that God’s mercy is not for those who appear perfect, but for those who are humble enough to come before Him with open hearts.
In the parable, the tax collector stands far off, his head bowed, unable to even look up to heaven. Yet in that moment of honesty and humility, he does the most important thing anyone can ever do: he turns toward God. He goes before the Lord not with pride, but with trust. His simple, heartfelt prayer “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner” becomes a doorway to grace.
That is what God desires most, that we come to Him. He already knows our sins, our failures, and our pain, yet He waits for us to draw near. And when we do, His mercy overflows. As St. Paul reminds us, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love He had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ — by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4–5).
Notice what Paul says: God is rich in mercy. His mercy is not small or limited — it is abundant, deep, and unending. We do not have to earn it; we simply need to be willing to receive it. The moment we step before God in humility, like the tax collector, His mercy begins its healing work within us.
This week, I invite you to spend a few quiet moments before God — maybe in the church, maybe in your home, maybe during a quiet drive. Simply go before Him as you are, without pretense or fear. Tell Him what is in your heart, and ask for His mercy. You’ll find that the God who welcomes sinners is not waiting to condemn, but to embrace, to restore, and to bring new life.
Let us never be afraid to approach the Lord. His mercy is our refuge, and His grace our hope.