The humble, repentant sinner has greater value in the eyes of God than the egotistical Pharisee, who has a high opinion of himself and assumes that he merits rewards from God just because he follows a formula for righteousness recommended to him by his religion.
Catholic Christians must not adhere to a form of Christianity that functions as a quid pro quo. We should live the Christian rule for love’s sake, for God’s sake.
Can we claim a reward for a good deed? Can we merit anything with our works? Or is it God’s grace and mercy alone that saves us?