The tax collectors and sinners drew near to listen to the words of Jesus while the Pharisees and scribes began to complain concerning what they heard and observed. They had the opportunity to listen to the words of spirit and life, but they instead closed their heart to such a life giving encounter. To fathom the transforming effect which would of been felt if only they had listened to the Lord like the tax collectors and sinners.
As Saint Hippolytus puts it, “The Word spoke, and by these words He turned man away from disobedience, not enslaving him by force or necessity, but inviting him to choose freedom of his own accord.”
To this we must understand that Christ is calling us away from our disobedience in order that we may truly be found free. Sometimes there are sinners who cannot fathom that the Father can and is merciful with them. They live with a fear of eternal salvation because they falsely believe that they are unworthy to approach the Lord. Instead the Lord invites the sinner in and forgives them of their sin.
The Sacrament of Confession is a beautiful sacrament because through it we encounter this infinite mercy of God. Through the grace that is outpoured through the absolution of one’s sins one’s relationship with God is restored. In this parable we see this infinite mercy of the Father on display for he runs out to console the son who had fallen away and had now been found. So too does the Father in His infinite mercy run out to console us in the Sacrament of Confession.
So often we grow content with where we are in the here and now without daring to go any further. To enter into relationship with Christ always challenges us towards something more because we are entering into a love which is infinite. The Sacrament of Confession opens our heart to this love and it directs us into better relationship with Christ who is present with us in the Most Holy Eucharist.
To encounter the Eucharist is to encounter the same Lord to whom the heart of these tax collectors and sinners were attuned. They allowed their heart to be found content with what was now set before them. So too should our heart be found content with the Lord. So often we are led to believe that there is something more that we need if we are to be found happy. That for which our heart longs is Christ our Lord who is truly present with us in the Eucharist.
As we continue this Lenten journey let us find ways to rejoice with the Lord always. Slow down and allow your heart to dwell with Him. Remember to come to Him, especially in the Sacrament of Confession, to seek out His love and mercy. From this encounter with the merciful Lord stay close to Christ who is present with us in the Most Holy Eucharist for He is the source and summit of our faith. Let us be found willing to listen the Lord always.
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