*Reflection for Saturday after Ash Wednesday*

*Isaiah 58:9b-14; Lk 5:27-32*

*Theme: Jesus welcomes the needy.*

"Thus says the Lord:  If you destroy your instruments of oppression,and leave authoritarian habits and evil language;  if you welcome the needy with an open heart and give every help to the needy, your light will be born in darkness..."

All the “ifs” that the prophet Isaiah presents to us are inherent in actions that lead us to a true conversion and, consequently, to a fruitful life collaborating in the construction of a better world. All good things can happen depending also on whether our actions are good. The Lord blesses us in kind when we bless others.

In the scriptures there will always be an "if" as a condition for good and not evil. are your "ifs" a condition for good or evil? Jesus gives us an opportunity for conversion and new life, he welcomes the needy. Even though we are the greatest sinners, Jesus looks at us and calls us. Levi responded in the gospel promptly to Jesus' call and followed Him. Suddenly, because of his attitude of welcoming salvation, he received Jesus for a great banquet in his home and invited precisely those who needed help, those who were sick like him and needed healing.

The more we recognize our illness the more we will have Jesus as the doctor of our soul and the healing of our heart. 

 Do you also consider yourself sick, in need of salvation and healing?  Have you tried taking Jesus to your home and introducing him to your family and friends? 

Prayer: Lord heal us from all our sins and iniquities. Intervene for us in this pandemic and bring healing and blessing to our world. Amen.

Have a fruitful lenten season and happy weekend. 

Pax-Peace 🙏🏾Fr Ralph Jnr osj .