Today we read in the gospel: “tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus.” Why? Because Jesus was teaching that God is loving and forgiving. That there is no sin that cannot be forgiven and that it is never too late for conversion of heart. “But the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying: this man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” They couldn’t get it that Jesus did not welcome sinners to approve their sinful ways of living, but because they needed conversion and forgiveness. Every so often someone would ask me: Father, my sister stopped practicing her faith; this bothers me so much and I don’t know what to do. Should I still talk to her and visit? Of course! She is still your sister, and because you still love her and spend time with her does not mean that you are OK with her life. We can’t run away from sinners, but we should use each opportunity to help them change their life, to convert. God is patiently waiting for each sinner to get back to Him.
