Homily for Saturday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel illustrates how Jesus wants us to share His message. He dined with many, including sinners, tax collectors, and others who were considered less acceptable than law-abiding Pharisees. By breaking bread with sinners, He also likely shared God’s Word with them—God’s healing and merciful message. In defense of His actions, He stated, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Jesus reveals a Father who does not withhold His living Word or grace from us, even when we feel unworthy. The Lord continues to speak words of love and light into the darkest and most troubled parts of our lives. He offers us the Bread of His Word to satisfy our deepest hunger, waiting for us to take and eat.

We are called to reflect God’s mercy and to invite all people to the Table of the Lord, not just those who seem to conform to the ideal of Christian living. ALL are called, especially sinners. God’s grace and mercy are not rewards for perfection; rather, they are essential as we strive to be perfect, just as our heavenly Father is perfect.