This morning’s New Testament reading, according to the lectionary of the 2019 Book of Common Prayer, brings us into a conversation among Scribes and Pharisees who are disturbed by the company Jesus is keeping. “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners,” they ask. But Jesus lets them know that they have missed the point of his earthly ministry entirely, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous but sinners.”

I recently received a wedding invitation in the mail. I was so excited as I began to think about celebrating this upcoming marriage. I spoke to the mother of the bride and she was excited too, but had struggled to cut down the guest list. Generally, invitations are exclusive – only those invited can participate. In our liturgy for Ash Wednesday, there is an invitation – an invitation to the observance of a holy Lent. Unlike most invitations, this one is not exclusive. Instead, it is open to everyone.