Yeah, like Catholicism, the tax collector considered his goods works as being accepted by God — but they were as filthy rags. The old sinner recognized his only hope was the mercy of God and not good works like the eucharist, alms, sprinkling, and church attendance on Christmas and Easter. The tax collector probably prayed to Mary and counted rosary beads in his attempt to gain righteousness as well. None of those things mean beans to God.
oops - that was the Pharisee who had the self-righteous problem.
Wow.... you’re basically saying “God, I thank you that I am not like that Catholic over there....” You really don’t see what you’re doing, do you?