Continuing the Ordinary Time and the "measured pace" it gives us, we are offered two readings that invite understanding a major aspect of Jesus' mission.  He came to this earth, he assumed our human nature, not to make us kings, geniuses or leaders.  Rather he came among us to serve the sick.

Those who are well do not need a physician but the sick do.

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.

Mark 2:17

So, who, we might ask, are these sick, these sinners that Jesus has come to heal?   Jesus came to be a friend, a brother, to those who find themselves challenged by the expectations and demands of religion.  In the first reading from the Pauline letter to the Hebrews, we read:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize

with our weaknesses,

but one who has similarly been tested

in every way,

yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

Jesus knew full well how challenging adherence to the Commandments would be for most human beings.  He was fully aware of the consequences of the decision of Adam and Eve.  We do not know too many of the potential sinning experiences Jesus may have endured.  Yet there are temptations described in the gospels ... temptations he conquered.

Scribes challenged Jesus' dining with those who found it difficult to keep the Law.  There may be "scribes" in our lives who convey unhealthy feelings, who challenge our fidelity to God and the Church.  Like the sinners at Matthew's table, we are regularly invited to share in the Eucharist with Jesus.  And, very much like those guests with Jesus, we bring with us our own inabilities, our own failures to follow the Commandments and the teachings of our Church.

So let us confidently approach the throne of grace

to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Hebrews 4:16

We might ask ourselves after reading and rereading either or both offered scripture texts what it is that the Holy Spirit is speaking to our hearts when our nation, from coast to coast and border to border are thinking and wondering about new beginnings in our government.  Is the Holy Spirit, in these Ordinary Time readings, extending an invite to you and me that needs neither gown nor tuxedo to respond to His desire to be present with us?