Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Most people go to a physician when they are not well, however, there are times when people are encouraged to go for “healthy” check-ups. In the midst of these well visits, the various illnesses (that might be present) are addressed, but the physician also attempts to give guidance for healthy habits and lifestyle to improve long term health. Jesus tells us in today’s gospel that He comes to bring healing to sinners- those that are not well. Today’s first reading shares with us the ways of God that help us become healthier in our relationship with God and others. We need the mercy of God for our sins, and we also need to live lives grounded on the truths of God’s ways. God’s mercy and truth are what lead us closer to God where we find true life and health.
In the first reading from Isaiah, the prophet speaks of the many ways that we are called to follow God’s truth. We are reminded to “remove oppression, false accusation, and malicious speech,” to give food to the hungry and tend to the afflicted. When we act in these ways, then we live in the light of God, and God promises his guidance, strength, and courage in our daily living. Isaiah uses the terms “repairer of the breach” and “restorer of ruined homesteads” to define what our lives would be like if we lived as God requires. It is not our courage or our wisdom that provides these blessings- all of the benefits come when we do not “seek our own interest” but rely on God. To be “healthy” in our relationship with God and others, God’s truths need to be lived and celebrated in all ways of our lives instead of relying on our own righteousness.
In the gospel reading, Jesus is having a meal with Levi and a large crowd of tax collectors. The scribes and Pharisees cannot understand why Jesus would associate with such “sinners.” Jesus recognizes their judgment and replies that His purpose is to call sinners to repentance. The righteous are unable to receive God’s healing and mercy since they do not recognize their sins and need for forgiveness.
We are all sinners- every one of us is in need of God’s mercy. When we recognize our brokenness and go to God for healing, God is anxious to pour out his compassionate love and forgiveness on each of us. God also calls us to a closer relationship through the way we live. When we care for others in need, reach out to those oppressed, and allow kindness to be our guiding force, then God allows us to become “repairers of the breach.” As I reflect on our society, there are so many divisions that are tearing people apart. God promises to “renew” us and give us the strength we need, so we can bring this new life and healing to the world around us. God’s mercy draws us close, and by allowing God’s Spirit to work through us in our good works, our relationship with God deepens. We will never be without sin and failings, but our God-filled lives of love and compassion bring us small steps closer to God- who is the source of perfect health for our soul.
Our God is the perfect Physician- God knows our illnesses (sins) and God offers the cure- forgiveness, and mercy. God also understands what we need to grow in health-seeking and living God’s truths. As we seek to be healthy in our relationship with God, may we make frequent appointments with God(prayer, scripture, sacrament, and creation) so God cannot only cure our ills but give us the guidance we need for living as God’s people.
Loving Father, Your Son Jesus shows us the extent of your mercy and love. Through Your Spirit may we recognize our need for You and Your forgiveness, and then be guided to love and forgive as You do. Help us to be “repairers of the breach” through our lives, so others will see Your Light in the darkness of our world. We pray this in and through Christ.
Amen.
Marylynn Herchline