Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 5:27-32

Jesus had invited the fishermen to be his followers, men of lowest rank. But much more wonderful to see Jesus inviting the publican to be his followers and the publicans were men of the lowest rank and they were, in fact men of ill fame. In this Jesus humbled himself and appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh.

Jesus not only admitted the converted publican into his company but also he joined the company of the unconverted publican hoping that he might have an opportunity to convert them. Jesus answered the Pharisees who questioned him about his dealing with the publicans by saying that he had come to work for the people of such reputation.

சமுதாயத்தில் அடிமட்டத்தில் உள்ள மீனவர்களை தன் சீடர்களாக இருக்கும்படி இயேசு அழைத்தார். இங்கே அதற்கும் கீழ்மட்டத்தில் உள்ள பாவிகளை அழைக்கிறார். அவர்களோடு உறவு-உணவு அருந்துகிறார். இந்த நோக்கத்தோடும் இந்த பணிக்காகவுமே வந்ததாக அவர் விடை அளிக்கிறார்.

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 9:14-15

Fasting was one of the pious practices of the Jews. Pharisees were very strict in observing this. They also expected everyone do likewise. Anyone who was not observing this was considered by them as a sinful person. Any religious leader was also encouraging his followers to observe this practice.

The Pharisees expected Jesus and his new group of followers to be faithful to this practice. They even challenged him for not doing so. Jesus response to him was quite interesting. Presence of God among people always called for celebration and not for fasting. When one has God with him, even if he fasts (without food), it is a celebration. Presence of God (Jesus) is the criterion.

நோன்பு இருத்தல் இஸ்ராயேல் மக்களிடையே இருந்த பக்திமுயற்சிகளில் ஒன்று. பக்திமுயற்சிகள் அனைத்தும் இறைவனைச் சென்றடைய. இறைவன் உடனிருக்கும்போது பக்திமுயற்சிகளின் தேவை கேள்விக்கு உட்ப்பட்டது.