“People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable, but outcasts.” (Mk 2:17)

“People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable, but outcasts.” (Mk 2:17) Today’s Passages: Mk 2:13-17; Heb 4:12-16

Meditation: Today’s meditation verse rightly reminds us of God the father’s love and forgiveness toward broken and cursed humanity. Though he punished Adam, the first man (Gen 3), God was always after him (humanity) with his love and concern. Throughout the salvation history we never find the Israelite, the people of God, fully righteous and faithful. It is because of this that they could never enjoy peace and happiness.

They were most of their time under one exile or other; conquered and dominated by one or other; and persecuted by many. Centuries’ long sufferings and tears made some of them sometimes seek their own way forgetting the living God. However, during these painful periods they never felt that they were left alone. God was always with them in steadfast love. Even when he punished them, more than the people, it was God who grieved to his heart most.

This is well expressed throughout the bible: “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you! See, upon the palms of my hands I have written my name; your walls are ever before me.” (Is 49:15, 16) Again the Lord says, “Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken.” (Is 54:10)

It is the same God who became man dwelt among us to redeem each one of us. The gospel of John clearly says, “God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For, God did not send his into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (Jn 3:16, 17) Therefore, Jesus says, “People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable, but outcasts.” (Mk 2:17)

The third reading, therefore, calls upon us to have great confidence in God’s ever-forgiving love and says, “Let us be brave, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.” (Heb 4:16) 

     

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. We know that we are sinners but we have confidence in you O, Lord. You are a God who is ready to accept and forgive the repentant sinner. With this confidence we come to you, have mercy on me a sinner. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Have a blissful Saturday!