Saint Colomban by Ermes Dovico

GOSPEL PEARLS

Refusing salvation

Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners? (Mark 2: 16)

Gospel Pearls 16_01_2021

Jesus went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2: 13-17)

While living on earth and with the indispensable help of God’s Grace, all men can change their ways and convert. This possibility, however, is denied to those who are opposed to Jesus because of preconceived notions and who consequently will never place themselves in a position where Grace can touch their hearts. Let us pray for all those who risk refusing eternal salvation, beginning with those who are most dear to us.