The Publican and the Pharisee (Luke 18:10–14)
Gerald Largent
The Humility of the Publican
The Church, in her wisdom, opens the sacred season of the Triodion with the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Before we speak of fasting, repentance, or spiritual struggle, we are taught how to stand before God. This parable is not merely a moral lesson but a revelation of the posture of the soul that God receives.
The Pharisee enters the Temple confident and self-assured. His prayer is not directed toward God but toward himself. Though he speaks words of thanksgiving, his heart is filled with comparison and judgment. He measures his righteousness against others and finds himself superior. His fasting, tithing, and outward obedience — though good in themselves — become distorted by pride. Instead of drawing him nearer to God, they separate him from grace.
The Publican, by contrast, does not even lift his eyes toward heaven. Standing afar off, he strikes his breast and utters only a single sentence: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” He brings no achievements, no excuses, no comparisons. He offers only truth. And Christ tells us that this man went down to his house justified, while the other did not.
Humility, as the Fathers teach, is not self-hatred or despair. It is truthful self- knowledge lived in the presence of God. Saint Isaac the Syrian writes that humility is the garment of divinity, for Christ Himself clothed Himself in it when He took on our flesh. To be humble is to stand honestly before God, acknowledging our sin while trusting entirely in His mercy.
This parable warns us that religious practice alone does not save. Fasting, prayer, church attendance, and almsgiving are essential — but only when they are animated by repentance and love. Without humility, even virtues can become weapons of pride. The Pharisee’s tragedy is not that he fasts or gives tithes, but that he believes these acts entitle him to righteousness.
The Publican teaches us the prayer of the heart. His words are few, but they contain the whole Gospel: confession of sin and confidence in mercy. This prayer becomes the foundation of the Jesus Prayer and of all true repentance.
As we begin our journey toward Great Lent, the Church calls us first to humility. Before we examine foods, schedules, or disciplines, we must examine the heart. Do we compare ourselves to others? Do we secretly trust in our own righteousness? Or do we stand before God knowing that everything we have — even our virtues — is a gift of grace?
Christ concludes the parable with a spiritual law that echoes throughout Scripture: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” The humility of the Publican opens the door to communion with God.
May we learn to pray as the Publican prayed — simply, truthfully, and with hope — and may this humility lead us through the fast into the joy of Pascha.
From the St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach bulletin for February 1, 2026.