March 8.  “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Bongi, as usual, was argumentative. “I don’t see why tax collectors should be sinners.  Don’t they have a right to work for SARS or whatever form it took in those days. Surely that doesn’t make them sinners.”  Refilwe explained, “in those days tax collectors worked for the oppressors, and were often dishonest and cheated people.  But it wasn’t just them. There were inspectors checking up on people’s documentation. It was like that here in the apartheid days, before we thought of human rights and family rights like being able to live together as a family in one place.“

Reflect, share and act. Scripture: “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do; I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”  Luke 5:32 Pope Francis: Free and heartfelt forgiveness is something noble, a reflection of God’s own infinite ability to forgive. It can be shown even to someone who resists repentance and is unable to beg pardon. Those who truly forgive do not forget. FT250-1. Prayer: “Lord, grant us your peace! This is my prayer to God as I now offer my good wishes to the Heads of State and Government, to the leaders of International Organizations, to the leaders of the various religions and to every person of good will. “Forgive us our trespasses, Lord, as we forgive those who trespass against us. In this cycle of forgiveness, grant us the peace that you alone can give to those who let themselves be disarmed in heart, to those who choose in hope to forgive the debts of their brothers and sisters, to those who are unafraid to confess their debt to you, and to those who do not close their ears to the cry of the poor. Prayer from Message for World Day of Peace January 1.  Choose an act of love and sacrifice from the list, also published at www.marfam.org.za/lent,   On this International Women’s Day with the prayer theme “I made you wonderful” pray especially for a right appreciation of the balance between women and men in all areas of life.