As human beings, there is always room to learn, room to be a better person, and room to discover about oneself. On the other hand, the worst situation one can be in is when he or she feels they are better than others and knows it all.
The Gospel does not glorify sinners, the Gospel does not applaud the tax collectors. What it points out is that there are people who want to be better and have a better life. This is compared to the scribes who have room also to become better people but believe they are better than sinners and tax collectors.
This is the challenge for each and every one of us. Three things we can do to be a better Christian and have a better life:
- Listen. There are sins, vices, and bad habits that we know. Let us listen to our hearts and admit we can be better Christians. There are also sins, vices, and bad habits that we are not aware of, but the people around us know. Let us listen to them. It takes a lot of humility and searching but we have everything to gain.
- Friends. We remember the saying, “Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.” There are God-fearing people all around us. Let us seek their friendship and wisdom. Certainly, we will never go astray when we listen to the counsel of God-fearing people.
- Mission. Whatever our mission in life is, let us be a blessing. Not only do we find our place in this world. Not only do we bless other people. The happiness and blessings always come back – 30-fold, 60-fold, and 100-fold.
In St. Luke’s Gospel, we hear of Levi the tax collector. Back then tax collectors were rich, but certainly, something was missing. Hence, the moment he was invited by Jesus, to “Follow Me,” He left everything behind to be a better person and a better life.
We remember the saying, “Who we are is God’s gift to us. What we become, is our gift to God.” This can happen when we listen, we surround ourselves with God-fearing friends, and when we are faithful to the mission.
3 Ways 2 Your 1 God 