The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Jesus must have read the hearts of the Pharisees and scribes who complained. To them, he addressed the parable of the one lost sheep among a hundred and the woman who lost and found one coin among ten. By comparing sinners to the lost sheep and the lost coin, Jesus makes irrelevant whether one is a tax collector, sinner, or scribe or Pharisee (that is, follower of the law). At one time or another in life, I have counted myself among the ninety-nine sheep, while at other times (especially in retrospect), I see that I was the one lost in the desert.
Thank you, God, for the example of Saint Martin de Porres, whose memorial is celebrated today. Martin, a Dominican, daily cared for the sick and the poor while doing tasks in the kitchen and infirmary. He was a friend of Saint Rose of Lima. Through your grace, Lord, help me offer the work of this day—all its difficulties—as a means to repent of anything that separates me from you. Help me see in the midst of the day when it is time to make a metanoia, a return to you.
Jesus, Good Shepherd, when I am hard of heart today, come find me and bring me back into your peace. Let me recognize and welcome any of the lost you send me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
