Luke's gospel reading today concludes with these words: "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners" (verse 32). These words brought to mind other Jesus words that I read yesterday evening, Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, I will give you rest."
Yesterday's posting may have introduced some to the Dutch philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, (SK). Reading his parable of "The King and the Maiden," gave me a thirst for more of his writing. After reading Father Neuhaus' article, I purchased SK's Training in Christianity, written between 1848-1850. To my surprise the beginning chapter or section, Invocation, is a reflection on the second quotation of Jesus' words, "Come to me ...."
Kierkegaard makes clear his belief that the presence of Jesus on earth is not a one-time, thirty-three-year-long event. It will always be a present moment experience as long as there is at least one believer. Your experience, your relationship with Jesus is contemporary and the philosopher mains it is just as real, just as contemporanious as it was for each person who met Jesus during his/her lifetime.
Today's gospel verse is very much a calling to us to come to the Lord Jesus. His call, his invitation is to each person. He his asking you to allow him to embrace you with his healing arms. He is the doctor always waiting for you. He is the healer who wants you to know that you are not dealing with an icon of the past. You are asked simply to come to his embrace, to all him to heal the wounds sin has inflicted upon your life.
SK wrote, "Oh, where heart-room is, there house-room always is to be found." No matter the number of sinners, those needing the healing words and assurances of Jesus, will always discover a heart that longs to listen, a heart that wants to take on the burden. This is one doctor who does not tell you your sad state of soul. This is the Son of God who says ever so simply: "Come to me ... and I will give you rest."
What sinner is there who cannot find solace and compassion in theses words and in the heart of the one speaking them? Where else can anyone find the "unequivocal sureness of eternity." Regardless of the "illness," the sin(s) that may have separated a person from God, Jesus' invitation, "Come to me all ...." offers the abolition of any "barrier of difference." You are special. So, as we are in these early days of Lent, open your heart to the Lord Jesus. Let him come within. I promise you this: whatever heartsickness you possess or possesses will be gone. With Jesus you will find rest from your fears, your pains, your losses, your needs.
