Many of the stories about Jesus in the Gospels end in a climax with a saying, a pronouncement, by Jesus. Usually, it is this pronouncement which helps us to apply the moral of the story to our own lives, whether in the social sphere or the spiritual. Today's story ends with two such interrelated sayings: "It is mercy I desire and not sacrifice" and "I have come to call, not the self-righteous but sinners." We are so accustomed to seeing Jesus acting "outside the box" as we call it nowadays, that we are neither surprised nor scandalized when we read again the story of his eating with "tax collector and sinners." This familiarity may lead us to forget that Jesus is talking to us, in whatever age and place we live. The two sayings we reflect on today are very appropriate for our prayer in this Year of Mercy. As he has taught us in different ways, Jesus expects us to be merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful (cf. Lk 6:36-42). Reflection on our own faults and failings will keep us alert to the need of understanding and accepting others and not being too quick to judge or condemn.