In today’s readings God calls each person to follow Him. He places a challenge before us. We must speak the truth, feed the hungry, and observe the sabbath. Despite the difficulties before us, “The Lord will guide [us] always…He will renew [our] strength…” I find comfort in realizing that I do not do anything alone; God is always with me. The speaker in the responsorial psalm makes the simple request “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.” I find it incredibly humbling to realize that I depend on God and others in my life. In fact, modern society discourages dependence on others let alone God. I often tend to refuse help from others by claiming that “I can do it myself.” At these times I focus solely on myself. I forget the importance of following God’s will and not my will.

Jesus sets the example of following God’s will when he chooses to spend time amongst the tax collectors. He does not worry about the judgment that the Pharisees and scribes pass on him. He has “not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” This means that God calls everyone! I find myself acting like the Pharisees and scribes when they ask Jesus “‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’” I sometimes am quick to judge others forgetting that each person I encounter receives God’s infinite love. In my judgment I seek to make myself feel better even though in the end I never do. I allow myself to give in to sinful thoughts and actions. At these times, I fail to see the good in others; I forget to “delight in the Lord.” God’s plan, however, is so much greater than anything I could ever imagine. He embraces all human beings despite our imperfections. I strive to be more Christ-like by accepting others and myself. I want to “Let go, and let God” enter fully into my thoughts, words, and actions.