Homily for Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel reading, we see the Scribes and Pharisees' persistent tendency to exclude individuals they deem imperfect. They criticize Jesus for eating and spending time with these people.

However, Jesus uses parables to tell His critics that they should focus on the very individuals He is with. He reminds them that He has not come for the righteous but to save the lost and forsaken. To achieve this, He meets them where they are rather than waiting for them to redeem themselves. This means that Jesus will eat with, speak to, spend time with, and love them.

We, too, are called to seek out the lost and forsaken and to serve those in need: the sick, the oppressed, the poor, and even the sinners.

May our lives reflect Jesus's true teachings as we strive to be His voice, His hands, His feet, and His instruments in the world.