Sunday Sermon

What cannot humble prayer obtain from God? A great, public, and notorious sinner gains more by simply striking his breast, and heaving a penitent sigh, with the few words, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner,” than the proud Pharisee with all his fasting, alms-deeds, and other good works. “I say to you,” such is the testimony our Lord gives on the matter, “this man went down into his house justified rather than the other.” Sinners, behold the true pattern of a penitent! You must imitate the public sinner, if you are really determined to get rid of the filth of your sins in the Sacrament of Penance and to return to God with your whole hearts.