The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” I am truly in awe of Jesus in today’s Gospel reading, coming from Luke. It is a short reading, and Jesus is able to convey a very powerful message in the few words He speaks to the scribes and Pharisees. Today’s reading reminds me that Jesus calls sinners, like me, to sit with, walk with, and follow Him. Oftentimes, I see my sins, flaws, and shame as barriers to becoming close to God, when in fact, the opposite is true. Jesus welcomes and even invites us to journey with Him, not in spite of, but because of our sins and flaws. Jesus extends so much compassion to those who are considered “sinners,” and I hope to do the same. This includes extending forgiveness to myself and asking God for the grace of forgiveness as well. As an imperfect human, I can be made perfect in Jesus.
-Anonymous