In his sermon on October 27, The Very Rev. Ron Pogue discusses the gospel reading, and what is ultimately in the hearts of both the Pharisee and the tax collector. Though the Pharisee claimed piety, he was egocentric, and compared himself to and found himself greater than others. Father Ron tells us that when we do this – when we compare ourselves to others, and when we put our egos first, we do not honor our covenant with God. But when like the tax collector, we ask God for mercy, we open ourselves up to receiving God’s grace.