19 January 2019
I CAME TO CALL SINNERS (Mark 2:13-17)
This was the answer Jesus gave to those who questioned his choice
of Matthew and his having supper with him and his friends. The incident is a sharp indication of his
intentions. Jesus is announcing the
kingdom of God, a world where no one is excluded and where the compromises and
self-serving of people will be challenged.
He is going to reach beyond what people expect and include people whom many
would consider unsuitable. Pope Francis
chose this scene in searching for a motto for his ministry. ‘He had compassion on him (Matthew) and he
chose him (as one of his close companions)’ and Francis applies these words to
himself. The pope has gone on to build
his ministry on these words: the motive that underlies all he does is his love
and compassion for all people especially the most excluded, for example,
migrants.
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