Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
We often find ourselves asking why. Sometimes, the question is innocent and leads us to discover: Why do the seasons change? At other times, the question comes from pain: Why do bad things happen to me? And sometimes, the question is a statement of judgment: Why would you do something like that? The Scribes and Pharisees were judging Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners. We cannot stop other people from judging us, but we can stop ourselves from judging others. If we find ourselves asking why someone acts the way they do, this is an opportunity to consider the situation and grow in our understanding honestly. Jesus knows that the Scribes and Pharisees are judging his actions, but he approaches the question as if it were innocent, answering them truthfully: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” He wants us to be healed from our sinfulness and, therefore, reaches out to those who need healing. He acts out of love for us rather than seeking to impress people.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections