The Pharisees were experts in the Law. They knew God's Law inside out. But how well did they know God? Indeed, how well did they know themselves? In the parable in today's gospel reading, Jesus contrasted the Pharisee's self-righteousness and self-exaltation with the tax collector's self-knowledge and knowledge of God. The tax collector knew he was a sinner, and he knew that God is a merciful God, whom he could ask for mercy, and be forgiven.

Today's first reading tells us that our God is a self-revealing God. He wants us to know him. He allows himself to be known, and he urges us to press on to know him. He shows us how he acts. He shows us that steadfastness is his nature. He desires steadfast love in return, and not our sacrifice or burnt-offerings. He desires that we have knowledge of him.

Jesus reveals to us what the Father is like. In Jesus we see God's love and mercy. Through Jesus we can know ourselves - that we are sinners, but forgiven sinners. Moreover, through his blood we are the adopted children of God.