At the end of the story, refraining from being thankful that we are not like the Pharisee is nearly impossible. It is an instinctive reaction that our minds do not control. Yet, as soon as we find ourselves being thankful that we are not like him, then we are him,

That is what people who cannot bear to see bent over people stand up always seem to do, but it is never what Jesus says. No. He is the one who always says Come unto to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest. Let the little children come and do not hinder them for to such as these belong the Kingdom of God.

Imagine that, so many Christians trying to tell us how much God hates homosexuals and what God really hates is for people to be hungry.