Luke 18: 9-14
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in today's Gospel was addressed to those people who were self-confidently sure, considered themselves superior and despised others. It had a powerful emotional impact.
His purpose was not to offend the Pharisees but He wanted them to change their proud ways and to take an honest look at themselves. You can be sure they were offended for no-one, then or now, likes being told they are in the wrong.