Jesus then addressed this parable (...) "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector".
Gospel's Commentary
Today Jesus puts a stop “to some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else.” In the parable the Pharisee sticks his foot in his mouth: “'God!’ I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.” Ridiculous! On the other hand, Jesus praises the attitude of the tax collector who prayed by saying: “'God!' "Have mercy on me, for I am a sinner! “
- “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted." With the resurrection, the Father glorified His Son humbled at the Cross.