ELOGOS for Monday

Luke 15:1-2
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
*        *        *       *        *       *          *         *
I met a Pharisee. He wore a suit and tie.  He had a successful business, a fine house, the respect of those around him. He attended worship regularly. He recited chapter and verse from the Bible to support his positions on various matters. He worked hard to keep sinners away from the Lord's house, away from the Lord's Table. He was not as successful at this as he wanted to be. When he left to find a more suitable community for him, his parting words to me were about how we welcome sinners and eat with them.  For a moment, I felt right and proud but then saw how easy it is to be a Pharisee.  I miss him and will continue to miss him until all of us sinners are together in the Lord's house, at the Lord's table.
*       *        *        *          *         *          *           *
Forgive, Lord, when I forget who I am, a beggar looking for bread.  Amen.