There is a tendency to consider religion merely in terms of external observance of laws and rituals. We fall victims of externalism and legalism in the way we live our faith.

For Jesus the most important reality is what we are within our innermost selves. Whereas, the Pharisee was on the side of the law: everything he did was on the side of the law. But, the law as St. Paul says, is not going to save us! Self-righteousness and self-satisfaction is not going to bring us redemption from sin! Faith in Jesus Christ will. Jesus reminds his host that GOD is more interested in what happens within our innermost selves - our hearts.

Indeed, within the Christian Tradition we are warned over and over that the only "certitude" of our faith is the certitude that God is Love - and requires those who would claim the name of Christ-follower to be a person of mercy and compassion. All other matters of faith flow from this profound conviction. All external behaviours that do not flow from an inner relationship grounded in love of God, oneself and all others are sham.

And when our lives are consumed by acts of kindness such as attending to our fellow human beings by giving alms to those in need we are being purified of all our sins. The Lord saves us and it is Love.