Reaching out to sinners

In today’s Gospel (Luke 5:27-32), our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is questioned about having dinner with public sinners.

Jesus said to them in reply,
“Those who are healthy do not need a physician,
but the sick do.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance
but sinners.”

On the one hand, this reading reminds us that we are all sinners in need of repentance and the grace of Christ.

On the other hand, this reading reminds us that, as followers and imitators of Christ, we need to reach out to sinners as He did.

Of course, it is very important for us to be prudent, especially as individuals. Unrepentant or half-repentant sinners cane bring with them temptations, peer pressure, and occasions of sin. We must always remain careful and faithful.

During this season of Lent, as we ourselves seek to turn further away from sin and grow spiritually by the grace of Christ, we should also consider how we – especially as parishes, dioceses, and groups – can reach out to sinners with the loving truth and the true love of Jesus Christ.