March 5.  “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Bernard, 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 considered the question of human rights and family rights such as 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.   Moral Regeneration Movement Positive Values Charter 8. Committed to the spirit of ubuntu we dedicate ourselves as a nation to strive for justice, fairness and peaceful co-existence. The healing of past prejudices and divisions is required to ensure the promotion of democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights for all.  Choose an act of love and sacrifice from the list, also published at www.marfam.org.za/lent