Homily for Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Description
In today's Gospel reading, we see the persistent tendency of the Scribes and Pharisees to exclude individuals they consider imperfect. They criticize Jesus for eating and spending time with these people.
However, Jesus responds to His critics with parables, encouraging them to focus on the very individuals He is with. He reminds them that He has not come for the righteous, but to save the lost and forsaken. To do this, He meets people where they are, rather than waiting for them to redeem themselves. This means that Jesus will eat with, speak to, spend time with, and love them.
We, too, are called to seek out the lost and forsaken and to serve those in need: the sick, the oppressed, the poor, and even sinners.
May our lives reflect Jesus's teachings as we strive to be His voice, His hands, His feet, and His instruments in the world.
United States
