“The tax collectors and sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and scribes complained. ‘This man,’ they said, ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’”

We also judge people and label them  - ex-convict, vagrant, gang member, drug addict, divorcee, gay, unwed mother.

A young woman decided to marry the man of her dreams. The marriage was messy and the divorce even messier. Added to that was the condemnation of her friends. She was now a “divorcee”. In her loneliness and the struggle to care for her little children she found herself drawn to another man; together they began a new life.

She was happy with him but in the midst of it all her longing for sacramental union with Jesus was there nagging away. She continued to seek the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say. Eventually she decided to leave her beautiful, new home. “Father I have sinned” she said. “I no longer deserve to be called your daughter.”

God did not wait to hear. She was welcomed home unconditionally and showered with God’s gifts. After a while she found herself being called to minister to others. But there were those who complained.

There were people who continued to throw in her face what she had done before. They reminded her that she was a divorcee and had “lived in sin” for years. They would not enter into the celebration of their sister who had come home and been welcomed by their Father.

A man was involved in a murder case many years ago and found himself on Death Row. He had not killed but he happened through youthful indiscretion to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Eventually he was freed. He hoped to start a new life. But the label was on him. People avoided him on the streets. No one would give him a job.

At this time retreats are taking place Tax collectors and sinners are seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he has to say. The Jesus-people in our congregation welcome all with love and joy, mindful of their own experience as brothers and sisters of the same forgiving Father. But the Pharisee and scribe complain.

Where are we in all this? Jesus told the story of the forgiving father, waiting and waiting for the return of his wayward son, then without even giving time for him to finish his apologies, ordering for him new clothes and a ring and throwing a party for him. The son who had stayed home will not take part in the celebration. How do we react when someone who has strayed comes back and is celebrated?

Let us pray
Abba God! Thank you for sending your son Jesus to live among us sinners, welcoming us, eating with us, giving his life that we might be clothed with the new robe of your divine life and adorned with the “ring” that shows everyone that we are indeed your sons and daughters - heirs with Jesus.

When you look at us – no matter who we are or what we have done - you see not a sinner but a beloved son or daughter with whom you want to share yourself. We have only to cast ourselves into your merciful love to be welcomed wholeheartedly into the celebration of all celebrations. Thank you!

Thank you for all who are making their way home this Lent, those preparing for Baptism as well as those who have been away and want now to return. Prepare us to be enriched by their gifts.

Often we forget who we are – your sons and daughters who have sinned but who have been lovingly forgiven and welcomed into fellowship with you.

We judge others. We blame them. We look down on them. We do not allow them to forget the mistakes they have made. We will not take part in celebrating their coming home. We condemn ourselves to remain outside. Forgive us Lord.

Thank you for all who - like you - wait and long for the return of those who have strayed; for parents who continue to trust that their son who has gone astray will come back. Their love remains firm.

Open our eyes to see ourselves and others in the light of your truth. Open our hearts to welcome all who come seeking Your company. Help us to live as your sons and daughters.

Renew us as a people. Give us a deep awareness of how much we depend on merciful love, your merciful love and the merciful love of those around us. Let that awareness fill us with the merciful love that will be life-giving for others.
Amen

Christina Araujo OP is a Sinsinawan Dominican who presently coordinates the Total Parish Catechesis programme in the Holy Rosary/St Martin de Porres parish.