Lenten Message by Pope Francis
World day of Social Justice
In our charity may we speak words of reassurance and help others to realize that God helps them as sons and daughters.
Is my charity accompanied by my presence?
TODAY'S WORD
Luke: 5:31-32 "Jesus answered, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
TODAY'S REFLECTION
The first people Jesus called to follow him were fishermen.
He went on to call people from other walks of life to follow him.
In this morning’s gospel reading he calls a tax collector, Levi, someone in the pay of the Romans, to follow him.
On another occasion he called a rich man to follow him.
The gospels also inform us that he had many women followers.
Jesus looked on all people as his potential followers.
His call to ‘follow me’ was addressed to all who would respond to it.
It was addressed to people who were considered sinners by those who did their utmost to live by God’s law.
Jesus got close to those he was calling to follow him, sharing table with them, regardless of how they were regarded by others.
The gospel reading reminds us that the Lord is always drawing close to us, to all of us, even when we think of ourselves as sinners.
He never ceases to draw near to us and to call on us to follow him.
We may think that we have to put a distance between ourselves and the Lord, but the Lord never puts a distance between himself and us.
He is always standing at the door of our lives and knocking, calling out to us to follow him, to walk in his way so as to share in his mission in the world
There are many times…
… when we remain sour in our words – hurting people by our unjust criticism and judgmental comments
We need to taste “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” so that our lives gives forth the sweetness of acceptance and appreciation!
There are often occasions …
… when we remain tangy in our actions and deeds – refusing to reach out in help and being stagnant in our selfishness
We need to taste “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” so that our lives gives forth the pleasantness of charity and care!
The effect of any fruit lasts only for an hour
The effect of “Jesus, the Miracle Fruit” however is much lasting… and in fact, can be everlasting, if we remain faithful and sincere in following the Lord!
RESOLUTION
Let's resolve like Levi to “join” ourselves to the Will of the Lord, by following Him, faithfully!
Have a wonderful day and a fabulous weekend
Pray that the three draconian farm laws may be repealed