The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Lk 15:1-2)

In today’s Gospel, Jesus contrasts the attitudes of two groups of people. The first consists of tax collectors and sinners who are drawn to Jesus and eager to listen to Him. The second consists of the Pharisees and scribes, who complain that Jesus welcomes sinners and even shares meals with them.

At this point in His ministry, Jesus has not given up on the Pharisees and scribes. Instead, He continues to teach them, inviting them to see the world through God's eyes. Through the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, Jesus reminds them that every lost soul is precious in God's eyes and should be precious in theirs as well. The question is: Did they understand His message, or did they simply dig in their heels?

Jesus also tells these parables for our benefit. Which group do we identify with in today's Gospel: the tax collectors and sinners, or the Pharisees and scribes? Perhaps the honest answer is that we belong to both, at different moments in our lives. Some days, we are like tax collectors, drawn to Jesus and longing to hear His Word. Other days, we act like the Pharisees and scribes, judging others and questioning whether they deserve God's grace and mercy.

But the heart of today's Gospel is not our failures; it is God's boundless mercy. No matter how far we have wandered, God never stops seeking us, rejoicing when we return to Him. Through Jesus, God invites us to His table, not because we are worthy, but because He loves us.

Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. Are we willing to accept His invitation and take our place at His table?

Lord, deepen my longing to receive You in the Eucharist and to abide in Your presence.

Hail Mary full of grace…
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us.

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Vincent-Vương Nguyễn
St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church
Houston, TX