The Lord has come to call sinners to repentance. Without repentance life is empty and devoid of inner joy. Living according to the world’s promptings leaves a vacuum within. Have we not been told “the Lord has thrown down the rulers from their thrones”? (Lk 1:52). Why waste time and energy living in covetousness, lust and pride which won’t give what is sought. Instead they lead to the destruction of our souls and bodies. Levi the tax collector responded to Jesus, by surrendering his old nature and well laid out future plans, realizing that it does not give what is promised. The Lord responded; a feast followed with all it’s joy, celebration and friendship. That is the portrait of the forgiving Lord. The self-righteous on the other hand often do not repent. We may say to ourselves that there is nothing wrong with us. We may hide our dark side; fearing that we may not find favor with God or others. However God says: ‘I came to call sinners, that you may discover the joy this world cannot give.’

PRAYER: Abba Father, I surrender my sinfulness to you. Forgive me. Amen.