23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

 Gentiles and Tax Collectors

From politics to masks

We live in a very divisive time.

So what is a person to do?

It seems as if everyone is offended by someone or something.

So How are we to deal with those with whom we disagree?

With those whom we think are wrong or have hurt us?

Jesus tells us to first talk privately with the individual.

Don't advertise it to the neighbors or Social Media.

If that does not work,

Bring one or two others along to try and help straighten things out.

Sometimes differences can be complicated

and having another person who is not emotionally involved can help.

If that does not work,

Jesus says we should treat them like,

Gentiles or tax collectors!

Now in the time when Jesus walked the earth;

Gentiles and tax collectors were the most despised people of all.

Because the Gentiles were foreigners.

They threatened the social, cultural and religious fabric of Israel.

And tax collectors took advantage of the poor and widows and hard working members of society.

So Gentiles and tax collectors were always rejected and shunned.

Especially by the scribes and Pharisees.

But how did Jesus treat the Gentiles and tax collectors?

He loved;

He forgave them;

He even ate with them;

Associating with those with whom we disagree and

With whom we think are wrong,

Does not mean we agree with them

It means our Love and forgiveness has no limits.

It is extended even to our enemies and those with whom we disagree.

Like Jesus,

we Love our enemies and those who are different from us.

We Associate with those with whom we have differences.

We Eat with those with whom we disagree

Because Jesus loves, associates and eats with us!

God Bless