Our Bible readings for the 2nd Sunday in Pentecost (the Affirmation of Faith for Lolia) are Hosea 5:15—6:6; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 9:9-13,

Though Jesus was a devout Jew who practiced his faith, he was criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners—the religiously non-observant. Jesus criticizes the self-righteous and reminds us that mercy is to be at the heart of our religious practices. God continues to be made known in those on the margins of society, like Matthew the tax collector and the hemorrhaging woman. As we gather each Lord’s day we receive the healing that makes us well and sends us forth to be signs of God’s mercy for the world.

Jesus calls us and we can come running. No fear!

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