Monday, The Fourth Week of Lent (Mar. 15)

Narrated by Kim Porath

The scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that [Jesus] was eating with sinners and taxcollectors, said to his disciples,“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners? Mark 2:16

”The Pharisees believed that if they ate with known sinners, they descended to their level and became contaminated. Jesus deliberately stooped to eat with sinners in order to take their sin upon himself and raise them with God's forgiving grace. This was his purpose on earth.

Isn’t it comforting to know that Jesus’ response to our sin is not to avoid us but to join us. On the cross he took our sin, was wounded and died for us, healing our souls with God's forgiving grace, inviting us to join him at the heavenly feast, which has no end. What a privilege!

REFLECT: With whom are you spending your time?

PRAY: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. Share your gift of grace with us sinners. Amen.

Devotional content provided by Creative Communications for the Parish.