MEMORIAL OF ST MARTIN DE PORRES
REFLECTION BY FR COLLINS AKHIGBE, OP
SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES
1ST READING PHIL 3:3-8. PSALM 105. GOSPEL LK 15:1-10.
THEME: WELCOMING SINNERS
“The tax collector and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, but the Pharisees and Scribes began to complain, saying, This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Lk 15:1-2). For the Pharisees a prophet is not supposed to eat and dine with public sinners and tax collectors. But Jesus Christ came and identified with sinners. This is the cause of conflict between the Pharisees and Jesus in today’s Gospel reading. The Lord came to call sinners to repentance. He did not come because of the righteous but for the sake of sinners since they are the ones who need the physician. We should all have the attitude of Jesus Christ by identifying with sinners and the vulnerable in the society. We should recognize that we too are sinners in need of mercy and compassion. The Pharisees did not see themselves as sinners. They are the Holy ones. They are the faithful and God-fearing people. This Spirit of self righteousness can easily blind us to the working of God. In this reflection we shall examine why Jesus Christ welcomes sinners and how to respond to sinners.
WHY JESUS WELCOMES SINNERS
First, Jesus Christ is God. He is the word of God (Jn 1:1). The whole creation came into existence through Jesus Christ. The Lord welcomes sinners because they are his own children too.
Second, the Lord welcomes sinners because he came for sinners. He came that they may have life and have it abundantly (Jn 10:10).
Third, Jesus Christ welcomes sinners because that is his mission here on earth. He is the Saviour of the world (Mt 1:21). Jesus Christ came to redeem humanity from slavery to sin. It is proper and fitting that he should identify with the sinners.
Fourth, Jesus Christ welcomes sinners because he does not want anyone to perish but have eternal life (Jn 3:16).
Fifth, Jesus Christ welcomes sinners in order to attract them to embrace the Gospel of love. He wants them to recognize how much God loves them. By welcoming sinners he demonstrates the unconditional love of God (Rom 5:8).
Sixth, Jesus welcomes sinners to show us the path we should follow. We should always remember that we are sinners too. The Lord is teaching us a lesson on sacrificial and unconditional love.
Seventh, the Lord Jesus welcomes sinners because they need him more than others. They are the ones who truly need care and attention.
HOW TO RESPOND TO SINNERS
First, like Jesus we too should welcome sinners because we are also sinners.
Second, we should be patient with fellow sinners because the Lord is patient with us.
Third, we should give fellow sinners second chance because the Lord is always giving us second chance.
Fourth, we should support sinners and help them out of their situation because the Lord is always supporting us.
Fifth, we should share the message of Christ with fellow sinners because it will lead them to heaven.
Sixth, we should forgive fellow sinners whenever they offend us because God is always forgiving us our sins.
Seventh, we should love fellow sinners sacrificially because the Lord loves us unconditionally.
Eighth, we should pray for the conversion of sinners because we too are in need of prayers.
Ninth, we should give preferential attention to fellow sinners because they need our help and support more than the saintly ones.
PRAYERS
Lord, help us to always identify with fellow sinners. Lord, deliver us from hypocrisy and duplicity. Lord, help us to be true to who we are. Lord, give us the grace of meekness and docility. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a beautiful day.
With lots of prayers and love.
