"What I want is love not sacrifice". This is the plea of a loving God who sees our efforts to please Him expressed in many different ways. In the Old Testament the people offered sacrifice of animals and yet they lived lives of insincerity, often treating others very badly and unjustly. God spoke to them through the prophets and often in their misery and affliction they turned to God for healing.

Likewise, the Pharisees boasted of all they did, fasting, almsgiving etc. But they also were not sincere and often looked down on others, like the tax collector in the gospel reading. But God sees our hearts. He hears the humble prayer of the tax collector: " O God be merciful to me a sinner"

Which of these two can I identify with - the Pharisee or the tax collector? Perhaps this is the day to reflect on this question. Do I boast of all I do and think myself better than others or do I see myself in need of God's love and forgiveness.

God is always inviting us to share His love. It is not something we can earn by our own striving though we often try. All God asks of us is that we open our hearts to listen to His word and to receive His love.