Memorial of Saint Anthony, abbot
(I Samuel 9:1-4.17-19.10:1; Mark 2:13-17)
Today’s gospel passage has a reference that has defied
commentators. Where Mark writes, “While
he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with
Jesus and his disciples.” To whom does the
first “his” refer? Possibly it refers to
Levi whom Jesus just called to follow him.
More likely, however, it refers to Jesus himself. If so, then Jesus invited sinners into dine
with him.
Does this scandalize anyone?
It shouldn’t because we are all the sinners whom Jesus came to
save. Mark Twain said that he would
choose “heaven for the climate” and “hell for the company.” Jesus doesn’t go that far, but he still calls
to his side those whom society rejects.
These companions include thieves or drug addicts. As he loves people like us who come to mass,
he loves them.
We have heard that we “are known by the company we keep.” It is true that we must take care not to take
up the vices of notorious friends.
However, we should not abhor those whom society finds objectionable. Rather, we should respect them as humans made
in the image of God. We should also, as
far as possible, convey to them the love of Christ.
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