3. But there was a certain widow in that city, and she went to him, saying, 'Vindicate me from my adversary.'
4. And he refused to do so for a long time. But afterwards, he said within himself: 'Even though I do not fear God, nor respect man,
5. yet because this widow is pestering me, I will vindicate her, lest by returning, she may, in the end, wear me out.' "
6. Then the Lord said: "Listen to what the unjust judge said.
7. So then, will not God grant the vindication of his elect, who cry out to him day and night? Or will he continue to endure them?
8. I tell you that he will quickly bring vindication to them. Yet truly, when the Son of man returns, do you think that he will find faith on earth?"
9. Now about certain persons who consider themselves to be just, while disdaining others, he told also this parable:
10. "Two men ascended to the temple, in order to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.
11. Standing, the Pharisee prayed within himself in this way: 'O God, I give thanks to you that I am not like the rest of men: robbers, unjust, adulterers, even as this tax collector chooses to be.
12. I fast twice between Sabbaths. I give tithes from all that I possess.'
13. And the tax collector, standing at a distance, was not willing to even lift up his eyes to heaven. But he struck his chest, saying: 'O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.'
14. I say to you, this one descended to his house justified, but not the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled; and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
15. And they were bringing little children to him, so that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.
16. But Jesus, calling them together, said: "Allow the children to come to me, and do not be an obstacle to them. For of such is the kingdom of God.
17. Amen, I say to you, whoever will not accept the kingdom of God like a child, will not enter into it."
18. And a certain leader questioned him, saying: "Good teacher, what should I do to possess eternal life?"