Readings: Is 58:9b-14; PS 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Lk 5:27-32
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” That is the question the Pharisees and their scribes were asking. Jesus response to the Pharisees questions was “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
The “modern day” equivalent of the Pharisees question would probably be “Why do I need the church?” While I cannot answer the question for them, I can answer for myself.
I need the church because I know I am not smart enough to fully understand God. I know I am not holy enough to make it in this world without the Sacraments that require the church to administer. I know that I am not strong enough to overcome temptation and evil on my own, I need the help of God and of His church to fight the battle. I know I need the help and support of the community of believers when I am hurting or sick. I know I need the power of prayers, not just those living, but from those who have gone before. I know I need the church, because of my personal encounters with Jesus. I know I am one of the ones Jesus is calling.
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