Christ and sinners

Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time A

Mt 11:28

In the time of Jesus, tax collectors were usually associated with sinners, and it is scandalous that Jesus goes to Matthew’s house for a meal. In ancient Judaism, table fellowship expressed covenant solidarity, which is why sharing food and drinking symbolized a shared life. By sharing a meal with many tax collectors and sinners, Jesus identifies himself with sinners and welcomes them into his kingdom.

In the eyes of the Pharisees, Jesus is inviting all the wrong people into his movement. They ask why your teacher eats with tax collectors and sinners. In other words, “What kind of teacher would do such a thing?”

Jesus gives a twofold response.

First, he explains that his mission to forgive sins (1:21) involves going to sinners, just as a physician must go to the sick.

Second, he tells the Pharisees to return to Scripture and learn what Hosea 6:6 means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. Hosea said that God desires “mercy,” not (empty) sacrifices.

Jesus uses this quotation from Hosea to challenge the Pharisees not to allow external practices to replace the steadfast love and mercy that must be shown to God and all his people. God’s people include sinners and tax collectors who have fallen away because Jesus did not come to call the righteous but sinners.

My rector in seminary often challenges us with a statement that “Guys, if you are afraid of blood, do not become a doctor. If you are afraid of injustice, do not become a lawyer. And if you are afraid of sinners, do not become priests because sinners, not righteous people, will surround your life.”

We are all sinners and need God’s mercy and love. However, if we think we are more righteous or better than others because of what we have done, like attending Mass every day, doing charities, and helping others. Then what Jesus said to the Pharisees may also apply to us because the Pharisees thought they were better than anyone else. And here is what Jesus said to them “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.”

God always desires mercy, not empty sacrifice. Jesus is inviting us to show mercy and love for those around us, especially those who are vulnerable, sinful, wounded, and sufferings because, as Jesus, we are called to go to sinners and show God’s love and mercy to them. As we will receive Christ at this very Altar, we are also called to bring Jesus to others because what happened here cannot remain here only. Christ needs to be shared.