In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector how often did the Pharisee fast?

In this gripping parable, Jesus contrasts two very different characters praying at the temple: a prideful Pharisee and a humble tax collector. The Pharisee, a religious leader, boasted in his piety, stating he fasted twice a week—a practice more rigorous than the Jewish law required, which only mandated fasting once per year on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Talk about going above and beyond! This gives us insight into how the Pharisees strived to maintain a lifestyle of strict adherence to the law, not just for piety's sake but also for public approval.

On the other hand, the tax collector stood at a distance, beating his chest, and begging God for mercy. This moment encapsulates a core principle of many spiritual paths: true humility and recognition of our shortcomings in the face of divine goodness. The crushing irony here is that in emphasizing his own righteousness, the Pharisee ironically distanced himself from the very grace he sought.

Another interesting layer in this story is the identity of tax collectors in that period. They were considered traitors and corrupt, as they worked for the Roman oppressors and often extorted money from their own people. This historical context makes the tax collector’s humble plea even more profound. Jesus flips the societal norms, showing that God's eyes are on the heart’s sincerity rather than outward religious accomplishments. It’s a classic tale that teaches us that humility holds the key to genuine relationship with the Divine.