Adding Companions

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary invite us to consider how we may be living with a lack of appreciation of the invitation which the Lenten season offers to all. The Book of the Prophet Isaiah challenges those who have returned to Jerusalem after the exile to seek the Presence of God in actions which bring them in contact with the needs of others for community, for sustenance and acceptance. The tendency we have to keep to ourselves, mind our own affairs and often clique together with no thought, except negative ones as suggested by the prophet, for the other. The movement toward others is the movement toward God. Friar Jude Winkler discusses the attitude of obligation which we often bring to observing Sabbath time. Our communal gathering is experience of Presence of God. The decision to participate more in the community gatherings of Lent is a decision to be more aware and deeper in Love. The Gospel from Luke dramatically asserts that we need to be outrageous in our outreach to the outsider. As Friar Jude explains, the tax collector was considered by Jewish society to be a deeply dishonest collaborator with the Roman oppressor who was unclean and who carried sin and corruption as a contagion. Jesus invites this person to be His companion. As Friar Jude notes the “com-panion” is one with whom we share bread. This action of sharing meal time with those who are outside and offering to bring them in is the fast track to sharing a Word which is spoken through acts of Love.