Daily Reflection Thursday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

What a rich Gospel we are given today. The line, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:2), is a profound reflection of Jesus’ inclusive, radical love that challenges both societal norms and religious expectations. In the context of our world today, this line feels particularly relevant as it calls us to reflect on who we welcome, and how we view those who may not share our perspectives, beliefs, or political alignments. 

I received a text from a dear friend this morning, she asked: “Are you guys free for dinner on Friday?” What a welcome invitation! “Yes! It’s been too long!” I shot back right away. I love to host, to welcome people into our home and to share a meal with others. It’s a holy thing, conversation, food & drink, the tablescape, dessert - the whole package, I just love it. This invitation got me thinking about who I welcome at our table, and who Jesus would welcome. 

In the Gospel, the Pharisees and scribes are shocked by Jesus’ willingness to engage with the marginalized—tax collectors, sinners, and those deemed "unclean" by society. For them, holiness and righteousness meant separation from such people, avoiding association with those who were seen as unworthy or undesirable. But Jesus breaks those boundaries. He dines with them—an act of fellowship and intimacy that says, “You are worthy of my time, my care, my love.” This Gospel includes the lost sheep and the lost coin - two moments where Jesus is teaching us that God’s love will pursue us endlessly, no matter what the cost. 

We are challenged to ask ourselves: Who do we deem unworthy of engagement or compassion? It’s so easy to retreat into echo chambers, to circle the wagons with those who think and believe just as we do. We can fall into the trap of vilifying those who think differently, those who hold opposing views, and those we see as "other." Yet, the message of Jesus here is clear: He doesn’t draw lines based on who’s “right” or “wrong” according to human standards. God is the ultimate judge - thank God that isn't for us to do! Instead, He welcomes all to the table, including those society might reject. Jesus welcomes us to transform us to be more like Him.

This invitation to "eat with them" is also an invitation to relationship, to dialogue, and to encounter the humanity in those with whom we disagree. In a polarized world, it's easy to forget that each person we encounter is made in the image of God, deserving of respect, dignity, and love. Just as Jesus extended a hand of fellowship to sinners, we are called to extend that same invitation—not just to those we find easy to love, but to those who challenge us, who frustrate us, who might even hurt us.

There’s much to reflect on in terms of healing, unity, and reconciliation. Jesus’ example reminds us that healing doesn’t begin with winning arguments or proving a point—it begins with welcoming others, sitting down with them, and understanding their story.