Homily for Saturday after Ash Wednesday

In today’s Gospel passage, the scribes and Pharisees questioned Jesus’ disciples about why they were eating with tax collectors and sinners. They believed that associating with such people posed a risk, as it could lead to moral contamination and a decline in their own integrity. They thought it was better to distance themselves from those considered sinful.

 

However, Jesus was not worried about being tainted by others’ sins. He understood that His goodness, which reflects the goodness of the Father within Him, would instead transform and uplift those He encountered. The Lord is never diminished by our failings; instead, we are enriched by His holiness.

 

This is why the Lord does not separate Himself from us, even when we distance ourselves from Him because of our actions or inactions. He is always ready to sit with us, share a meal with us, and engage in communion with us. In our moments of weakness, we can draw strength from Him, and in our many failings, we can find His goodness and love.