Today’s first reading brings me back to childhood. My mother used to remind us children over and over that God sees all. He knows what we are thinking and going to do before we even do it! So, make the right choice she would always remind us. In the same breath, we were to understand that we make mistakes. We are imperfect beings with a sinful nature. Thus, we have been gifted with a merciful sacrament; Reconciliation.
If you inclined to picture a stern, authoritarian God, remember that He sent His only Son to experience all the human things we experience. He was tempted and had full use of His senses as do we. On the other hand, I know many lean into God’s mercy to an extreme. While He is more merciful than we deserve, He has given us clear instructions. Be careful not to disqualify that. For the road is narrow. The path is less traveled.
Sitting with Sinners
The Gospel story recounts that Jesus often sat with tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees asked why Jesus did so. He expressed to them that people who are well do not need a doctor. Yet sick people do. Likewise, sinners especially need Jesus and the Word of God.
This Gospel reminds me of my grandmother. She often sat with sinners, those who were sick spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I truly believe she saw every human being as God sees us. My grandfather recently told me the story about when grandma somehow met a man who had run into hard times. He was homeless. Grandpa came home from work to find the homeless man sitting at the kitchen table eating a meal. Grandma announced that he would be staying with them for a little while. This may be nothing short of shocking to those reading, but it was not for her. I smiled and could picture the whole scene unfolding.
This kind of thing happened constantly. I was privileged as a child to watch her be a counselor/sponsor in Alcoholics Anonymous. More than once, I attended meetings with her. At the time, I had no idea what an intimate and unique experience I was witnessing.
Maybe you are the physician in this season of life. Perhaps you are the sick one needing a helping hand. Either way, may this Gospel be your encouragement to seek a way to be a helper or be helped.
