In the gospel reading today, we have on one side the Pharisees and scribes, those who considered themselves a people of God, a holy people; and on the other side we see the sinners and tax collectors. Most interesting is the fact that only these sinners and tax collectors were humble enough to come to Jesus and to listen to Him speak. Pharisees and the scribes, however, not only came to Jesus but accused Him of spending time with those sinners. Because if Jesus was truly who He says He is - the Son of God, He would avoid those sinners. Don’t we think that way often? I know people who stay away from church, from the sacrament, from practicing their faith, only because they consider themselves sinners. Church is not for me, they may say. God is only for holy people. Or maybe you judge others, those who live sinfully or have made mistakes in life, but now are coming to Jesus to listen to Him and to be forgiven. Today, once again, Jesus reminds us that He is a Good Shepherd who will always look for the sheep that get lost. If you are a holy person, that’s wonderful, be thankful to God for that; if you are a sinner, come to Jesus, He is waiting for you.
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