Friday, 18 January 2019

I CAME TO CALL SINNERS


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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