Jesus simplifies what true righteousness is all about. It is not self-righteousness. And Jesus simplifies what Holiness is all about. Righteousness and Holiness Begin with Humility: “Oh God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This prayer echoes the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Lk. 18:9–14), where the one who acknowledges his need for mercy goes home justified and aware of God's grace.

Persistence in prayer does not necessarily mean long, unending prayer, but heartfelt and confident prayer. In other words, it is not so much the quantity but the quality of our prayers that attracts the attention of God, His mercy, and compassion. Prayer isn’t a tool to manipulate God, but rather a way to align our hearts with His will. When Jesus emphasizes persistence in prayer, it’s not because it bends God’s arm, but because it forms our trust, deepens our faith, and keeps us close to Him. So, we pray: Jesus, we trust in You! Help us not to lose heart (Lk. 18:1).

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us the value of gratitude and how often we forget or take it for granted. It hurts to admit that frequently, we focus on what is missing and forget to thank God for our blessings. One of the most valuable attitudes we can cultivate is gratitude. Let us be grateful for everything and everyone in our lives. Blessed those who make it a practice to say: Thank you, Lord! For everything that life has given, or is giving us, the good or bad, the happiness and sadness, and still free from regrets, worries, fears, and hopelessness. “With gratitude, we shift to a higher frequency, which attracts better things.”

We all experience problems, trials, sufferings, and misfortunes that sometimes lead us to question our faith. Should we not request the Lord for the same appeal: Increase our faith. The disciples asked Jesus sincerely to increase their faith, knowing the weakness of their faith, and aware of their tendency to fear and doubt. The greater our fear, the lesser our faith. The greater our faith, the lesser our worries. Often, we have faith not so much in God, but in our own efforts, skills, or re- sources. In truth, we are still men and women of little faith.