The Gospel Is Not About Being a “Good Person”

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Luke 18 and the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee prays to himself, comparing his goodness to others, while the tax collector simply cries out for mercy. In truth, salvation does not come through comparison or self-justification. We are not saved by being “good people,” but by receiving God’s mercy in humility. The one who looks to Jesus, not to himself, goes home justified.