“You can’t reason your way around the Cross.” A long time ago, I met with a very wise priest for spiritual direction on a matter concerning a book a group of women were studying through at church. He gave very wise council. I think I wrote about it on GVM once before. This quote is from that same wise priest who is now a bishop out of state.
I don’t exactly remember the story that went with the quote. I jotted it down at the time because I thought it was so profound, yet straightforward. Today’s Gospel reading made me think of it when in Mark 2:17, Jesus said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” From an outside point of view, one might think the Son of God, all perfect and pure, would surely only be associated with like-minded and acting folks. But! He is right; sinners are the ones who need Jesus.
We All Fall Short
The interesting thing is, we are all sinners. Every last one of us. Some more so than others, but sinners nonetheless. I may be mistaken, but I think Jesus was hoping these “righteous” men who questioned who He dined with would do a little self-reflection. A little “examine” of conscience.
Do you do an examine every night before falling asleep? I find it really helps me see where I fell short and what I can pray for to do better in the future days. It is an encouragement when there is progress, too.
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Anthony, Abbot. What can be read about his life is fascinating. After his parents died when he was twenty years ago, he quite literally did as Jesus said in today’s Gospel reading: “Follow me.” St. Anthony knew, even as a hermit and monk, the temptations of sin. He knew we are all sinners and need our Lord.
St. Anthony of Egypt, pray for us!
