JESUS CAME TO LIBERATE SINNERS: DO YOU NEED SALVATION?

As we continue this lenten season, we are called to pay attention to our day to day living, especially ways we offend God and our neighbours. The prophet Isaiah tells us in the first reading of today, to be conscious of the words we utter to others, those who  need help among us, and those who are oppressed. 

St Paul tells us in Romans 3:23, that we all are sinners, and we are in need of God's mercy. This is very clear in the gospel reading as the pharisees are judge those who are sinners among them. Many of us may not see the need to observe the lenten season and keep the lenten fast, abstinence and almsgiving, as well as reconciling ourselves with God because we do not see ourselves as sinners. 

As we see in the gospel today, we should repent of our sins and follow Jesus like Matthew, and turn to Jesus to heal us instead of judging others. Jesus has come into this world, and he is going to die because of our collective sins. It is good for us all to continue to make effort to be better. Only those who acknowledge that they are sinners and need God's mercy will benefit from the grace of this season. 

*Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP*