SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO, BISHOP (MEMORIAL)

The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus. 

Why were the “tax collectors and sinners” drawing near to Jesus? What was it about this rabbi that so attracted them?

Clearly, they saw something different about this man. He taught them about how to live in a way that was pleasing to God, but he didn’t condemn or reject them. Instead, he respected their dignity and treated them as his own brothers and sisters. He showed them that their value went beyond their reputation as tax collector and sinner. When he spoke out against sin and immorality, they could see that he was motivated by genuine loving concern for them. So even when they experienced him speaking frankly, they didn’t leave; they wanted to stay and hear more.

Who are the “tax collectors and sinners” of our time? Many of them are the people who don’t quite fit into standard categories of who is “religious.” They may be the folks we tend to ignore or the ones still searching for the Lord. Will they be drawn to us as they were to Jesus? This is something worth reflecting on.

Jesus is our example here. People are hungry to be in relationship with those who are truly interested in them. They want to be loved and accepted. Through our speech and actions, we can draw people to us by honoring their inherent worth and dignity and treating them with respect. That doesn’t mean that we have to water down our own faith in order to connect with them. Nor do we need to turn a blind eye to some of their choices. But we should always start with love, just as Jesus did.

It’s not always easy to walk the line of speaking openly about faith or moral issues while also building a relationship. But remember, Jesus lives in you! Count on him to give you both the love to share and the words to say. He wants to draw everyone to himself, without exception. That was his mission, and he invites you to join him in it.

“Lord, help me to see people as you see them and to love them as you love them.”

Romans 14:7-12
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Luke 15:1-10