Today, I invite you to consider the reality of sin in our lives. Clearly the Pharisees and the scribes, albeit in a way truly "pharisaical," express a sentiment seemingly not unknown among the people. They were pointing to the reality of sinfulness and the impact of sin to undermine Jesus and his ministry.
Sin seems to be a state of life accepted much more easily in our contemporary times than in earlier generations. The debilitation of one's spirit is not recognized as the product of sin, especially serious or mortal sin. A discussion with anyone who has been taken over by what is considered serious sin by our Church and the Ten Commandments and returns to a life of grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation will reveal the "relief" experience after the confession. A person who commits serious sins on a regular basis finds a genuine separation from God and the Christian community growing within the heart. It has to happen because there is a walking away from God.
Luke's words in the first verse of chapter 15 of his gospel are a reminder that the disappointment in oneself because of sin can be eased by restoring the relationship with Jesus Christ through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Even those less serious sins tarnish the Jesus relationship within the heart. But, as Luke recalls one of Jesus' practices, "This man welcomes sinners ....", is a reminder that forgiveness does not demand "jail time." Jesus is always present to forgive.
