The most shocking behavior - José Antonio Pagola - translated by Rev. Fr. Valentine de souza

Twenty Fourth Sunday of the Year (C)

15 September 2013

Luke 15, 1 to 32

Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him.  But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable:

 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?  And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders  and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

The most shocking behavior

José Antonio Pagola

The most provocative and scandalous behavior of Jesus undoubtedly was the way he welcomed with special affection sinners, men and women, excluded by religious leaders and socially relegated by their conduct to the margins of the law. What annoyed them most in his life style was his habit of dining with them as with friends.

   Ordinarily we forget that Jesus created an unexpected situation  in the society of his time. Sinners did not shy away from him. On the contrary, they felt attracted by his person and his message. Luke tells us that “sinners and publicans would come up to Jesus to listen to him.”  Apparently, they found in him a welcome and understanding they did not find anywhere else.

   Meanwhile, the sector of Pharisees and experts in the Law, the ones with the highest moral and religious standing with the people, knew only how to criticize the behavior of Jesus that so scandalized them: “He welcomes sinners and eats with them.” How can a man of God eat at the same table with such a sinful and undesirable lot? 

   Jesus did not ever pay attention to their criticism.  He knew that God is not the severe and demanding Judge about whom they spoke so knowingly, those teachers who occupied the front seats in the synagogues. He knows well the heart of the Father. God understands sinners; he offers his forgiveness to all; he does not exclude anyone; he forgives everything. No one must obscure and distort his unfathomable and free pardon.

   For this reason, Jesus extends to  them his understanding and friendship. Those prostitutes and tax collectors have to feel welcomed by God. That’s most important. No one need feel afraid. They can sit at table with him, drink wine and sing along with Jesus. His welcome keeps healing them within. It frees them from shame and humiliation. It brings back the joy of living.

   Jesus welcomes them just the way they are, without previously demanding anything from them. He communicates to them his peace and his trust in God without the certainty that they will respond by changing their behavior. He does so trusting entirely in the mercy of God who awaits them with open arms, like a good father who runs out to meet and bring home his lost son.

   The first duty of a Church faithful to Jesus is not to condemn sinners, but to understand them and to welcome them lovingly. A few months ago in Rome I could see for myself how the people would applaud Pope Francis enthusiastically whenever he insisted that God always forgives, forgives everything, forgives everyone… Surely it is what many people of little, vacillating  faith need to hear clearly today from the Church.

Proclaim the gratuitous forgiveness of God to all