The opening line of the Gospel today says 'The tax collectors and sinners were all
seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say...There was a sense of longing and openness within them to receive his words because they were not condemning or beyond there reach. He reassured them that his place was their place.
I was reminded of a song which I share with you today entitled 'A Place for me' which begins, 'Jesus ate with sinners, seems there's a place for me.'
As the Gospel unfolds Jesus tells the story of the Prodigal Son who found himself in a place among the pigs hungry and alone. He comes to his senses and returns to his Father and because the father of the story is so gracious towards him he finds himself in the most comforting and reassuring of places, his loving embrace next to his heart. That is the gift being offered to us this 4th week of Lent often called Laetare Sunday. Sharing such intimacy with the Father is certainly something to 'rejoice' in. We are invited to come to our senses, humbly acknowledge our sinfulness and return to Our Father. His heart is always available to us.
I have copied the words of the song for you to follow when listening to it. The lyric, 'Never underestimate the power in your hands' interestingly speaks powerfully to the Father's embrace and our own embrace towards those who have wronged us or who have suffered the hard knocks of life.
A Place for me (Track 4 from 'A Noble Work')
Jesus ate with sinners
Seems there’s a place for me
He cast out the demons
Seems there’s a place for me
If I wander on the edges
Afraid and out of place
Jesus walks there with me
Offering his grace.
Jesus knows my questions
Seems there’s a place for me
My worries and addictions
Seems there’s a place for me
If I find myself just drifting
Wondering where to start
Jesus stands there with me
Offering his heart.
Yes, there’s a place for me
A place for me.
Jesus chose disciples
Is there a place for me?
Will you sit and listen?
Is there a place for me?
For I need some reassurance
Compassion and release
That Jesus is here with me
Offering his peace
Will you be disciple and
Eat my humble bread?
Will you be disciple and
Live like Jesus said?
It may not be so easy
Or comfortable for sure But will you act for Jesus knocking at my door
Yes, there’s a place for me
A place for me
I maybe familiar
Or someone off the street
And even surprise you
When finally we meet
Never underestimate the power in your hands
And what it means to sit beside
Someone who understands
Yes, there’s a place for me
A place for me.
Yes, there’s a place for me
A place for me.
Blessings on your week.
We continue to pray for those caught up in the horror of war. May they be lead to a place
of restful waters and their spirits revived.