"...all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted." (Lk:18:14) Do I want to be humble? What is humility?

Humility acknowledges that every good thing I have comes from God. It involves a willingness to submit myself to God. It means not taking what does not belong to me (objects, people, honours etc.). Humility sees God as the centre rather than self.

In contrast, the Pharisee in today's Gospel focuses on himself. He tells God the good deeds he has done, considers himself better than others and expects God to reward him. He tries to raise himself up.

The tax collector honestly recognizes himself as a sinner, someone in need of God's help. He does not compare himself to others. He focuses on God and trusts in God's mercy. He goes home justified.

Blowing our own horn and proclaiming our own good deeds is ultimately tiring. When we are willing to acknowledge our fragility before God, however, we allow God to raise us up.

"Come, let us return to the Lord." (Hos. 6:1) God invites us to acknowledge our sins. Ask the Lord to help us grow and trust that God will lift us up. This is humility.