Today's Gospel reading is the 2nd conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities, the Pharisees and the Scribes. This took place in the context of Jesus' table fellowship with the tax collectors. This happened after the call of Levi, the tax collector, to discipleship."Lord, grant us the grace to have the courage to reach out to those who are suffering among us and be aware of our selfishness.""Lord, grant us the grace to have the courage to reach out to those who are suffering among us and be aware of our selfishness."

The Pharisees believed in salvation and spirituality through the strict observance of the law and traditions. Obviously, Jesus' association with the tax collectors was not acceptable, especially in the call of Levi. Yet Jesus came for all peoples!"Lord, grant us the grace to have the courage to reach out to those who are suffering among us and be aware of our selfishness."

What about us in our relationship with those marginalised and rejected in our midst?"Lord, grant us the grace to have the courage to reach out to those who are suffering among us and be aware of our selfishness."

Do we also have the attitude of racial discrimination, prejudices and pre-judgment towards others who are not like us?"Lord, grant us the grace to have the courage to reach out to those who are suffering among us and be aware of our selfishness."

As we begin this Lenten season, let us heed the call to be 'friends' to the outcast, the marginalised and the rejected in our society. This Christian discipleship in following Jesus allows us to enter into the path of 'metanoia', praying for the grace of God to get rid of all that prevents us from making caring and loving responses to the needy around us today - the victims of the Covid-19 pandemic and natural calamities, e.g. those affected by the floods.