Tuesday, March 3

Scripture: Matthew 11:19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.

RADICAL SOCIALIZING: LOVING THE SHAMED ONES

In the gospels, Jesus repeatedly spends time associating with the shamed ones. There are different perceptions of Jesus, as Jesus describes how the religious leaders view him. They criticize Jesus for spending time with people they deem “unclean” and sinful. The Scribes and Pharisees are scandalized by the fact that a teacher and prophet of Christ’s stature would invest so much energy on degenerates who seem beyond help. Full of self-righteousness these religious leaders find fault with everyone around them, distancing themselves from all others who don’t share their values. In contrast, Jesus builds bridges through his mercy and compassion as he enters into the presence of outcasts.

Viewing Siemiradzki’s Christ and Sinners, Jesus has an expression of compassion on his face as he looks toward the revelers. In return, those who are considered “sinners” look at him with skepticism and amazement. Like the Pharisees they too are baffled that Jesus, a great rabbi, would make his presence at their party. Jesus is not afraid to love those who would normally be seen as losers. He associates with the lowly and with those who are not accepted by the rest of society. Instead of distancing himself from sinners, he enters into their world. There is no place that Christ is unwilling to go, no person he is not willing to interact with. If he were on earth today, one wonders where he would spend most of his time and with whom?

Christ’s presence brings honor and acceptance. Shame often acts as a badge of belonging to certain subcultures. Jesus comes to transform the notion of shame into honor by healing and caring for the broken. As he welcomes and affirms with his presence, Jesus brings connection and relationship to people who once were marginalized. An encounter with Christ is always life changing.

In thinking about how we can follow Jesus’ example, to build bridges of acceptance and love to those who are the outcasts of our communities, we need to see the places in our lives where we ourselves feel rejected, alone and not good enough. These feelings of shame and isolation distance us from Jesus and others. Yet, Jesus enters into our shame and loneliness, and his presence brings healing, freedom, and honor. As Jesus, Friend of Sinners , by Casting Crown says, “Lord, I was that lost cause and I was the outcast, But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at your feet.” It is in seeing our own brokenness that we can find the compassion, mercy, and acceptance that Jesus offers. As we experience his healing love and acceptance, we are able to offer this love and freedom to others in need.

PRAYER
Jesus, bring freedom and healing in the places of our hearts where we feel shame and rejection. Help us receive your mercy, compassion, and grace. We are grateful that you are not afraid to enter into these places with us and that you love us unconditionally. Out of this overflow of love, may we offer acceptance, compassion, and freedom to others. Amen.

Grace Sangalang, Junior Buyer, Purchasing Department