By Jacob Perikala csc –
Readings: Is 58: 9-14; Lk 5: 27-32
Through the first reading, God promises me that if I turn my path from the wickedness to righteousness, he will bless me with good things.
The gospel reading tells me I should treat all people equally. Jesus clearly says that he had come not for the righteous people but for sinners. In one way or the other, all of us are sinners, but God loves us all. Everyone is equal in the sight of God.
I am invited as well as challenged to not discriminate people and treat them differently. In our society, we have made different groups for society to function well.
At times, when people, whom we consider as low, come to positions that are equal to us, it is a human tendency to feel ego, pride, jealousy, etc. We try to accuse people who are doing good work like what had happened to Jesus in his life. Sometimes we may be on the side of Jesus, sometimes on the side of scribes and Pharisees. At times this also happens in our society, community, and other organisations.
Today Jesus is inviting me as well as challenging me to change my attitude and see people through the eyes of God and give respect to all humans. I need to understand that everyone is equal, and God loves all without any type of difference. If God the creator does not make any distinction between us, then why should I?