While he was at table in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mk 2:13-17)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011726.cfm
The eating and drinking with sinners is probably one of the oldest memories of the Eucharist. We are always invited to the Table. Saint Anthony (251-356) heard the Lord calling him to the desert and became the Father of All Monks. https://youtu.be/i08da4iH9Dw?si=wrAo7_JW8o6_xPaV
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Saint Anthony, abbot, January 17
