Listen

But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

When Jesus heard it, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. Go and learn what this means: I want mercy and not sacrifice. I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.”

Matthew 9:11-13

Think

One of the activities that I enjoy is when the church welcomes the homeless in the community into the church building. Different churches in the area collaborate with meals, pray, and share the word of God with the people present. This effort arose so that the homeless do not go cold and hungry in the coldest months of the year.

There are different reasons why people become part of this program. Sometimes we don’t know the reason. Some people may feel judgmental, wondering why a special space should be opened for homeless people when they have the same opportunities and responsibilities as everyone else.

We must remember that Jesus calls us to have compassion for our neighbor. Sadly, we live in times where the important thing for some is to see the benefit they receive from helping others. As Christians, we are called to create spaces of justice for all people. This is less about serving those I like and more about serving those I find difficult. In God’s eyes, all people deserve the best.

Jeniffer Rodriguez

Question to Ponder:

How are we showing compassion toward other people?

Pray

God of action, open my heart that I may serve your people with love and compassion. May I see all your creatures equally without difference. In your name I pray. Amen.

Go

Go into the world with an open heart to receive the goodness of God and share what you learn day by day. May the blessing of God guide and enlighten you today and always!