March 20 Lenten Devotional "Are you willing to share Jesus?"

OPENING PRAYER. . .Loving God, Creator of all that is, here I am--today in this place that you have given me, with all the senses you have given me. Help me to use them to experience you on a deeper level. May I experience you all around me, open me to know more of your ways and know that your goodness surrounds me. Thank you for this time to be with you and to just listen. Amen

LISTEN. . . "Why do you eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus answered, "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:30-32)

CONSIDER. . . .This brief scripture text describes not just the calling of one disciple, but Jesus' call to every person. Jesus didn't handpick the smartest and the purest, but instead the castoffs of society.  Jesus called forth a new community of disciples based on association with sinners rather than separation from them.

SO WHAT. . . The good news is that we are all sinners called, redeemed and healed by the love of Jesus Christ! The only ones excluded are the arrogant who exclude themselves. Do you hesitate to associate with someone you might consider a "sinner", maybe those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, the homeless?  How do you share the Good News with those who aren't in "your circle"? Or maybe the question is are you willing to share Jesus with those who aren't in your circle? Who can you share Jesus with today?

PRAYER. . . Dear God, please transform me by the power of your love so I may become your compassionate and welcoming presence to everyone, not just those in "my circle". May you renew your Church that we may become a true home for the lost, the least, the lonely and the broken. Give me the courage to share your love with all. Amen.