Today's scripture (Mk 2: 13-17) presents us with Jesus sitting at the dinner table with tax collectors and prostitutes. These were the undesirables of the day. They were despised by everyone including their families and the self righteous scribes and Pharisees criticized Jesus for doing this.

        When Jesus heard their whining, He told them that He was sent by the Father in heaven precisely for the ones who need Him. It was at mealtime that those who opened their hearts to Jesus truly were able to feel the power of His love and mercy.

        Before this pandemic started, I noticed that many families do not eat together. It is true that our lives are very busy, but making "meal time" together as a family a priority is one of the ways we get to know what is going on in each other's lives. 

        Try setting aside five nights each week to eat together as a family. Begin the meal with a prayer of thanksgiving for all that God blesses us with. Most especially, try to listen to one another and find out what is happening in our lives. We might just  be pleasantly surprised at how the Holy Spirit will strengthen our families. 

Have a nice day...Fr. Pat