Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

January 17, 2026

Jesus said, “Those who are well, do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Jesus’ choice to eat with tax collectors and sinners was radical, and let’s face it, Jesus was a maverick. He challenged the boundaries of rituals and outcasting. He challenged the Pharisees and their teachings, their understanding of the Torah, and even the politics of the day. Jesus was always trying to make the point of acceptance and mercy; of right and wrong.

We are all walking different paths toward Jesus. Once in a while, we need a good nudge to get us back on track. There are those who, through drug/alcohol addiction, hoarding, or aggressive business transactions, or lack of charity, may need a little more nudging. These are the people Jesus wants to sit with, to eat with, not to judge, not to scold, but to show them who they really are underneath their vices. Jesus wants a relationship with us. He wants us to remember the examples he set for us so many generations ago while living his human existence.

Some of us have that relative we don’t want to sit next to at a holiday dinner. Asking this person to “pass the butter” would be difficult. We would actually have to acknowledge them. Next time, imagine Jesus sitting across from you, watching you engage with them. Next time, begin with “please, pass the butter.”

Jesus is looking forward to having ALL his children sitting with him at the Eucharistic table. He created ALL of us. He loves ALL of us. He does not have favorites. Let our growth toward such a blessing of being seated at his table begin now.

Prayer:

Lord, help us to remember that by consuming the Eucharist, we become your presence in our world. Help us to raise ourselves to our highest good and move through our lives, attending to those in need. We are your vessel.