“I have come to call sinners, not the self-righteous.” –Mark 2:17

Jesus came for sinners, that all might have the opportunity to repent, believe in Him, be saved, and have life to the full, both now and for eternity. Pope Francis has said that the Eucharist is not a prize for the perfect but a medicine for sinners.

Mass Readings: January 14
First: Hebrews 4:12-16; Resp: Psalm 19:8-10,15; Gospel: Mark 2:13-17

“For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but One Who was tempted in every way that we are, yet never sinned” (Heb 4:15). “Since He was Himself tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are tempted” (Heb 2:18). Jesus revealed that God desires mercy rather than sacrifice, as good as sacrifice is (Mt 9:13).

Additionally, to aid us in refraining from sin, God gave us His Word. We can keep His Word in our heart, to keep us from sinning (Ps 119:11). God has also given us the Church, which is a hospital for sinners. The Sacrament of Confession is God’s open-heart surgery unit to remove our sins, bring us healing, and grace us to avoid sin. Jesus even promises us that He forgives our sins and remembers them no longer (see Ps 103:11-12; Jer 31:34).

What a wonderful gift we have in the Church! How incredibly blessed we are! Some pay many thousands of dollars to be treated for their illnesses at a hospital. God has established this hospital of the Church at no cost (see Is 55:1). Repent of staying away from the Church. Come into the Church. Repent and be healed.

PRAYER: Father, draw our loved ones who have fallen away from You back home to Your Church. Use me in any way You choose to love them back to You.

PROMISE: “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just.” –Ps 19:10

PRAISE: Roberta was healed of years of suffering when she returned to the Sacraments.