"I have not come to call the RIGHTEOUS
to repentance but SINNERS"
to repentance but SINNERS"
Jesus eats and visits with sinners. He does it because they are the ones
who need Him.
In Luke's Gospel,
Jesus eats and visits with sinners. He does it because they are the ones who
need Him. As we reflect upon this scene, it challenges us to take a deeper look
at ourselves. We may get so used to our own habits, way of living, and even our
own faults, that we tend to take the whole package as a given and assume that
it's the only way. But Scripture gives us hope and a greater vision of future
possibilities. If we listen to it carefully and take it to heart, it has the
capability of sharpening our self-knowledge and sensitivity. Today, the Prophet
Isaiah invites us to examine our consciences as we begin this Lenten season.
Isaiah proclaims what the Lord has said, "If you remove from your midst
oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; If you bestow your bread on
the hungry and satisfy the afflicted," then we will reap spiritual
benefits.
On Ash Wednesday,
who was marked with a sign of ashes on their foreheads? Some think the ashes
mark only those who are righteous and noble, and those who go to Church. But in
reality, they express our need for repentance. Jesus calls all who are in need
of His mercy and compassion to experience the life-changing power of God's
forgiveness. Jesus knows His mission, and we need to learn that doing our
Father's will is not about the rigorous keeping of laws, rules, and
regulations. It is about reaching out to those who are marginalized through
poverty, race, occupation, gender, and even religion.
Our main challenge,
during this Lenten season, is to become familiar with the gift of God's saving
and powerful love! In the Responsorial Psalm, we acclaim, "Keep my life,
for I am devoted to You; save Your servant who trusts in You" (Ps 86:2,
3a).
"You are my
God!"