The Gospel scene in this weekend’s readings depict two people who presented themselves before God. One praised himself and showed little regard for God or anybody else.  The other quietly stayed in the background and asked God for mercy.  When we stand before God, do we rattle off a litany of our accomplishments, or are we humble enough to realize that we need God’s mercy and love?  People, like the first man, do not need God ~ all they need is a mirror!  The second man recognized his need for God and in an appropriate manner cried out.  Today, let us all identify with the second person of the Gospel and ask God for mercy and love.