Mixing with Sinners

Today’s Gospel Text:   After this he went out, and saw a tax collector, named Levi, sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." 28 And he left everything, and rose and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house; and there was a large company of tax collectors and others sitting at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" 31 And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:27-32

Reflection: One would always find some smart ones who would have an opinion about anything and everything but most of it is communicated through grumbling and murmuring.

Not that they are illogical or appear less wise but they appear intelligent when they express it.  Yes, even the grumblers and murmurer’s appear wise when they express themselves; for they grumble about relevant issues.

Let’s look at these Pharisees and their scribes: what was wrong in what they expressed? Would you like your politicians and religious leaders to be seen with sinful, underworld dons and goons? 

I am sure you would not want to see them with such, then why should Jesus sit with such characters and that too eat with them.

Imagine if the media were around and recording the incident with photographs of Jesus with these people splashed across the front pages and everywhere.  Many tongues would have started wagging and there would have been protest rallies and candle light marches.

It is like the visibly righteous and popular man sitting with unrighteous sinners. Very rarely, even in our times people cannot digest it.

But there could be a difference: there are many who roam around with the wealthy and the unrighteous or the goons and underworld in order to extract much gain.

Some of this gain could be a mere protective garment or some cheap popularity or the kick of being with the powerful or the material prosperity such an association can bring about.

But Jesus when he mixes around with these so called sinners, he is seeking to heal their many afflictions and wounds and lead them to reconciliation with God.

Yet we as Christians fail our master while seeking to follow in his footsteps and would look to what people would say rather than go against the tide of people’s opinions in order to be with these neglected who are seeking to follow the righteous path. 

Prayer:  Lord, may I look to you for approval in all my actions and may they be pleasing to you.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us