Well our Lenten journey is officially underway. Ash Wednesday has often been called “The Porch of Lent” since it is the entryway into this special 40 day season.
The parables this week are the great parables of mercy. The Pharisees and scribes criticize Jesus because he was welcoming to sinful people. Even worse he shared meals with them. This was not how he was supposed to act, but rather they should be punished for their actions. Jesus however didn’t act this way.
He taught us there is a big difference between saying: “God understands” and saying: “God forgives.” God understands could mean that he understands why I do the things I do, therefore I do not need to change. Saying God forgives mean that I can change and reform my life. God’s mercy then is a call to reform.
Let us try to remember this during our Lenten journey.
DeColores, Deacon Doug
