Sinners

"Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Mt 9:13

There is an old story about a fellow who died and presented himself at the pearly gates. St Peter looked though the book of his life and was amazed. The man had not committed a single sin his entire life. But as he looked more closely he realized that he had only done one good action. The fellow had given $5 to the missions. Thinking about the situation, Peter was perplexed and told the fellow he had never met anyone like him and would have to speak to St Paul who was in charge of the missions. After telling Paul the story of the man's life, Paul hesitated only a moment before saying: Give him back his five bucks and tell him to go to hell.

Faith is not simply about avoiding evil, although the world would surely be a better place if all of us avoided racist, sexist and and derogatory words and actions about others. Rather, faith is an action word; it is about doing the right thing for the right reason. It is about living in gratitude for all we are and have, and sharing all God' gifts with others. A person who only avoids evil is most probably more full of fear than faith.

Faith also helps us acknowledge and accept ourselves as sinners. Some even choose regularly to speak of their sins in the Sacrament of Penance in order to face themselves and God honestly, not so much because their sins are so great, but because their attitude needs an adjustment. Those who opposed Jesus were forever looking for a reason to criticize him, especially if he offended their interpretation of the Torah by eating with sinners, but Jesus reminds them and us that eating with sinners is a way to befriend the broken in faith. It is, after all, the sick who need a physician, not the healthy.

Today, let your faith speak in action. Be kind.

Does your sin get in the way of living your faith more transparently?