I Am A Sinner

A Reflection on the Gospel for September 15th, 2019:
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

​Luke 15.1-10 (shorter version)

All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

So he told them a parable: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

“Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

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​In one of his first interviews as our newly elected Pope, a reporter asked Pope Francis, 'Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?". The Pope responded, "I am a sinner. This the most accurate definition."

I remember this answer because it headlined news articles immediately, and because it made me curious. Why would he not say “a child of God” or something more pleasant-sounding?

Considering this Gospel passage, I wonder if the Pope answered in this way because he felt that he, and others, needed to hear this truth.

How does it benefit us to know that we are sinners? Well, if the Pharisees and scribes had understood their status as sinners they would have rejoiced and exclaimed, “this fellow [Jesus] welcomes sinners and eats with them” in gratitude – they would have known that God extends His love to all who are in need. Instead they grumbled, and they unknowingly pushed themselves further away from God’s merciful love. Knowing that we are sinners gives us the freedom to set aside our fears and masks so that we can humbly acknowledge our need for healing and restoration.

"Knowing that we are sinners gives us the freedom to set aside our fears and masks so that we can humbly acknowledge our need for healing and restoration."

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How does it benefit others to hear us admit that we are sinners? They will know that they are not alone, and that all are welcome. Hopefully, they will be encouraged on their own journey as they search for truth and meaning. They will trust us, because they can already see that we aren’t perfect, so when we acknowledge our imperfection joyfully they will not be scandalized but they will be more in awe at our joy. If we are open about the ways that we fall short, our vulnerability will serve as an invitation to others to gather at the table where all are fed.

"If we are open about the ways that we fall short, our vulnerability will serve as an invitation to others to gather at the table where all are fed."

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Pope Francis’ interview response echoed the first words that he spoke after his election: "I am a sinner, but I trust in the infinite mercy and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I’m praying that God helps us all to live in this fine balance of knowing our sinfulness but trusting in who He is – and that, as we prayerfully consider who to invite to Alpha, we remember that God delights in every first step and even the smallest “yes”. 


​Kendra Lang

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