Gospel: Luke 5:27-32
The Pharisees and their scribes complained
to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and
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.”
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Reflection:
There is a story of a sinner who wanted to change his ways. So he gathered enough courage and presented himself to his parents to ask for forgiveness. But the parents did not forgive him they instead condemned him as good for nothing and useless.
In the days that followed they received a call that their son ended his life. If only they were not judgmental they could have saved a life and became an instrument of conversion. But they choose not to forgive.
How do you treat sinners? Are you quick to condemn them for who they are? Or you are patient with them and even build bridges with them so that they would also feel the love and forgiveness of Jesus?
When we judge sinners we also immediately cut off the chance for us to be an instrument of their healing and conversion. We are also pushing them deeper into the mud of sin. But why are we judgmental when we are sinners as well? Why are we judgmental when we are not perfect, when we too are subject to judgment?
When Jesus saw the tax collector named Levi who was labelled as a sinner by those who knew him. Jesus did not condemn the tax collector He instead asked Levi to follow Him and this sinner left everything to follow the Lord. Here we see the redemptive result when we don’t judge and condemn.
In the heart of hearts of every sinner rest a sacred
place that is reserved for someone who will not judge them. A sacred place
exclusively for those who would be willing to forgive them and help them get up
and start a new life with Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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