With Them Always

Devotion by: Louise Babirak

Luke 5:27-32

After this he went out and saw a tax-collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up, left everything, and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax-collectors and others sitting at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax-collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered, ‘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 to repentance.’

With whom do you associate? Aren’t we all accustomed to being with people who are just like ourselves, in our comfort zone? We gravitate everyday to like-minded individuals who affirm our lifestyle, our choices, and who meet our expectations. Christ did not discriminate or judge as we earthly beings do. Isn’t it comforting to know we are all invited to be a part of Christ’s inner circle, no matter who we are?

PRAYER: Thank you, Christ, for embracing all people without concern for their status, wealth, appearance or merit. All people are in your “comfort zone”. Teach us to treat others as you do. Amen.