During the time of Jesus, the rich and the learned believed that their riches and talents were God’s blessing and favor. They considered themselves a specially blessed by God. The rest of the people, especially the poor, the widows and the sick, were sinners. They are that way because God is punishing them for their sins or the sins of their fathers. Because of this belief, the sinners were in mourning. And in those days fasting was a typical expression of mourning.

Jesus preached the good news! “Your sins are forgiven.” “Peace be with
you.” He lived his divine compassion and broke all the man-made rules.
He welcomed the tax collectors; he mingled with the gentiles; he spoke
with Samaritan woman; and allowed the sinful woman to touch his feet.
He touched the lepers. In his own words, he said, “I did not come to
call the righteous but sinners”. In other words, he did not exclude
the so-called sinners at that time but he went to them and released
them from their heavy burden. They should be celebrating with Jesus
and not mourning for him.

In living our faith, are we in mourning or in celebration? Do we tend
to deal with only those who are “saved”? Does our action give peace
and freedom to those burdened in this life or do we contribute to
their suffering by excluding them?

Christ lived a life a love and compassion. Is living our faith mere
obedience to rules and commandments and not a practice of compassion
and love?