Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Our society today promotes the concepts of individualism and self- sufficiency. I sometimes wonder if these attitudes are contributing to the decline in church attendance and the belief in God that many have noted in our nation. It is difficult to admit that we are broken and need assistance, but it is this very dying to self that allows us access to the mercy and grace of God. Today’s scripture readings remind us that we have a God that knows us, understands our weaknesses, walks with us, and offers both healing and wholeness if we will only acknowledge and accept this grace.
Today’s reading from the letter to the Hebrews describes how Jesus (the Word of God) knows us completely. Jesus sees our brokenness and because of His humanity He is able to sympathize with the challenges we face. This shared humanity is a source of comfort and hope, since we are reminded that God’s purpose is not to bring condemnation but healing and wholeness. Today’s gospel reading reveals this same sentiment. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that He did not come to call the righteous, but sinners. To receive Jesus’ mercy a person must recognize the sinfulness that lies within and ask for God’s grace and mercy.
Admitting that we are sinful can be challenging. Most of us would like to think that we live good lives striving to be who God desires. When we reflect on the idea that God “penetrates our soul and spirit,” we recognize that we have darkness and sin within us that is difficult to remove. We are called to admit our sinfulness and to turn to Christ for help. This requires a dying to our need to be self- sufficient and thinking we can overcome these faults on our own. When we no longer view ourselves as righteous, we reveal that we are wounded, in need of assistance, and we are dependent on others- both God and our community. The only way that true healing, mercy and wholeness can take place is when we admit we cannot do it all alone.
Being vulnerable to another is a frightening proposition. When we open ourselves up to others and admit our dependence on them, we fear that we could be rejected. As He eats with the tax collectors, Jesus reminds us that His way is one of friendship, compassion, and forgiveness. Jesus does not ignore the sins, but He sees the sinner and calls the sinner to newness through God’s grace. Our righteousness does not come from us, but from a God who understands we cannot do this alone. This strength, peace, and wholeness can only be received if a person recognizes that this “timely help” is always available, but we must look beyond our self to ask.
Loving God, Jesus shows us that You long to be one with us. Through His life, death and resurrection, Jesus reveals that He knows our weakness, but He offers us the grace and love to overcome even death. Pour down Your Spirit on us and help us to have humble hearts that are aware of our need for Your love and mercy. May we lose our self, so we can find You and your grace. We pray in Christ our Lord. AMEN.
-Marylynn Herchline