THURSDAY, THIRD WEEK OF LENT

The Son of Man calls Sinners

When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that [Jesus] was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Mark 2: 16-17

Jesus calls outcasts, the broken, sinners, us—
I invite you to spend some time with Jesus, the Son of Man.

Close your eyes, relax your body, and become aware of your breathing. Imagine you are in an empty room; there are only two chairs. The door is closed. You are waiting. Be aware of how you feel; what you are doing.

You hear a knock. You open the door. Jesus stands in the doorway. See him or her. Sense your reaction in body, mind, and spirit.

Jesus says, “Can I come in and be with you?” How will you respond?

Jesus asks, “Will you talk with me? I want to know you. I want to be with you.” Imagine the dialogue.

Finally there are no more words for now. But Jesus is not ready to leave just yet. “Can we dance?” Jesus says. What a strange request you think but maybe dancing is the way of healing, of becoming, of unity, so you agree.

Now Jesus must leave. Say your goodbyes. Close the door.

What is the meaning of this visit?
Who is the Son of Man for you?

Loving God, thank you for sending Jesus to dance with us, to be one with us, to bring us to you. Thank you Jesus for being with sinners, for seeing the good in us, for welcoming all into the kingdom. Help me to accept your forgiveness; help me to be forgiving as you are; help me to be a messenger of your spirit to all I meet. Continue to come, Lord Jesus, continue to call until the whole world is one in you. Amen.