Gospel of Luke, chapter 5:32

We are all in need of God’s constant forgiveness. In the Old Testament we are told that “the just man sins seven times a day.” (Proverbs 24:16) If we are honest with ourselves we will discover that many of our actions are tainted with some degree of sin or selfishness. Even our pursuit of God’s kingdom is not always pursued with the best of intentions. How many of us would consider living good lives just to please God without regard for our own selfish interests in this life? How many of today’s televangelists prefer to make a personal business of religion rather than make religion, true and Christ-like, their business?

Jesus was surrounded by sinners who knew and admitted they were sinners. These were the good people because they knew they missed the mark, and were open to change their lives. The sinner and the saint both have this in common: they know they are sinners. The difference is that the saint could overcome the downward pull of sin for the onward life of grace. We just celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day this past Monday. St. Patrick was not afraid to acknowledge that he was a sinner. In fact, he began his Confessions with these simple words: “I Patrick, a sinner…” He was not afraid to face the truth about himself and to acknowledge: ‘there for the grace of God go I.’

Jesus was also surrounded by many sinners who refused to recognize they were sinners. These were the bad people or self-righteous ones who criticized Jesus for eating with sinners. They were too blind to know that they themselves were like everybody else, and thus they could not reform their lives. It is important to acknowledge that, although we are called to holiness in this life, we are always pilgrims on a journey of imperfect holiness which can only reach fulfillment in Heaven.

Jesus said, “I have come not to call the righteous but sinners.” Let us never forget that we are sinners. We all need a doctor, in the spiritual sense, to cure us of sin. Jesus provides us with the cure. When a person begins to think he does not need to be cured; when a person puts himself in the place of God; he is the sickest of all.

Jesus loved the sinner, and never ceased to show them His compassion and mercy. His most touching stories are about those who strayed from the right path – the Prodigal Son; the woman caught in adultery; the Samaritan woman. All these stories have one thing in common; they all show the power of humility to turn away from sin and be forgiven. Humility is truth, and this truth sets us free.

Be humble and aware of the need for God’s mercy and forgiveness in your life.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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