The Pharisee and the publican The Pharisee in our gospel story missed the most important thing that God is looking for from us: humility. It's not what's on the outside, the things that others can see like fasting and being generous, that demonstrate our love for God. Psalm 51 teaches us what's truly pleasing. You do not desire sacrifice ; or else I would give it. You don't delight in burnt offerings; the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken humbled heart:
