“The Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?’
Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’” (Luke 5:30-31)
Repentance consists of two things: a confession of sin and a reception of grace. Neither stands alone. Both must occur.
The Church is a hospital. As you attend the Divine Service this Sabbath, admit that you are a sinner who is sick. Receive the medicine of the Gospel with great joy.
Reflection
In what way are you a “sinner”? How are you spiritually sick and in need of the healing touch of Christ?
During the past sixteen days of your journey, how have you heard the forgiving voice of Christ? What words of grace has he spoken to you? How has he given you new life?
As you continue on this journey, what areas of your life would you like Christ to change?