Gospel: Luke 5: 27-32
In the book of Ezekiel we read time and again what God wants: As I live, says the Lord, I swear I desire not the death of the sinner, but rather that they return to me and live. The entire ministry of Jesus is devoted to this work, exemplified in the story of Levi today. It is a ministry to which Jesus invites us to participate, the ministry of reconciliation as Paul calls it.
But is this what we want? Is this what we are actually about? If we support the death penalty and a system of retribution for prisoners instead of reform, then our answer is no. If our posture is one of constant warfare and destruction of enemies, then our answer is no. If we are the self-proclaimed access bouncers who decide who is and who is not worthy for communion or a blessing, then our answer is no.
Today is a day to consider how we might be involved in the ministry of reconciliation. It might be in prison ministry and outreach, or in helping ex-offenders in re-entry programs. It might be visiting and bringing communion to the sick in hospitals and nursing homes. It might be ministry with the poor and homeless in soup kitchens, shelters, and outreach to the poor. Lent is our time to receive reconciliation and to be reconciliation for others.
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