January 19, 2019 Saturday of the 1^st Week in Ordinary Time-C

Hebrews 4:12-16

Psalm 19

Mark 2:13-17

…everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.  Heb. 4:13

“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Mk. 2:16

Lord, everyone knew the sin of the tax collectors.  However the scribes and Pharisees hid their sin from public view.  Their sin was in the hardness of their hearts and their prideful attitudes.  None of us can hide our sin from you.  You see into our hearts and our innermost thoughts.  You made an outrageous choice to invite a tax collector as your disciple and then sit down with his friends and fellow sinners for a meal.  All were astounded at what you did.  Your mercy is like that.  Who would you sit down and dine with in my time?  Would you welcome the corrupt politician, the thief, the child-abuser, the unfaithful husband, the arrogant movie star?  Would you extend your mercy to those who advocate abortion or gay rights or who profit from human trafficking?  Lord, is there no end to your mercy?  I thank you for dining with me.  I am so grateful you found me worthy of your forgiveness.