“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
(Luke 15:1-2)

 - Luke 15:1-10

Isn’t it fascinating that “sinners and tax-collectors” are the ones that gather around Jesus?

These people were the outcasts of their society. They were the ones that it would be shameful to be around. Sinners are the ones that don’t follow the rules. Tax-collectors rob and steal ordinary people of their livelihoods for their own profit. They support an oppressive regime and help it to maintain its unpopular power over the people. It is no surprise that the Pharisees grumble about Jesus’ closeness to them.

Who are the sinners and tax-collectors in our lives today? Who would you be ashamed to be associated with? Who are the people that you find repulsive and undeserving of Jesus’ time and attention? Where do you find yourself in our society, at the centre or on the margins?

Jesus is clearly very attractive to the outcasts of his society. We may wonder to ourselves why that is. What is it about Jesus that is so attractive, especially to those people we may find most repulsive? Take a moment to imagine Jesus surrounded by these people, how he talks with them, eats and drinks with them, how he laughs with them. How do they respond? How do you feel seeing Jesus at ease with these people? Is Jesus attractive to you?

Today let us pray for the grace to be attracted to the merciful person of Jesus and that our attitude towards others may be as welcoming as his.
 

Lord, 

there are so many people who we find repulsive in our lives. 

Sometimes we feel like we ourselves are undeserving of your love. Help us to become aware of your heart that welcomes all people.

 Help us to see others and ourselves through the lens 

of your merciful love. 

Amen.