Theological Foundations new file

61 Life in Christ Shepherd, who not only gives His life up for His sheep, but also gives His life to them: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundant- ly” (Jn 10, 10). His goodness lacks in nothing. He takes care of the life of his sheep and provides food for them. He bought their life with His death and gave His Flesh and Blood as food for them: “For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed” (Jn 6, 55). This blessed food and drink not only brings man to life but also cleanses his soul, removes sickness and pours in new strength. 18 As he contemplates the person of the God-Man, Father Papczynski emphasizes the fact that salvation is for all of us. Jesus is concerned for all the people and their conversion, and He takes into account the hap- piness of the righteous and the sinners alike. He attracts them to Himself through inspirations and numerous benefits which He generously bestows upon them, thereby bringing the sheep earlier marked with the stamp of Satan into His fold. 19 People instinctively felt this and, as it is said in the Gospel: “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear Him” (Lk 15, 1). Just as the sun absorbs the humidity of the earth and dries out the bogs and marshes, similarly, the Sun of Justice attracted the sinners to Himself. Jesus’ entire life was filled with mercy and compassion. As a child He received the pagan kings. And as a teacher He brought Zaccheus down from the tree took Matthew, Mary Magdalene and many other sinners under His protection. He even put a sinner at the head of His Church. And today, too, He impels everyone to conversion, attracting people like a magnet, like the sun; captivating them with the bonds of His love. 20 This friend of tax collectors and sinners is without sin Himself. Only He could challenge His adversaries: “Which of you convicts me of sin?” (Jn 8, 46). He has no sin. Why then was He arrested and accused like a felon, sentenced and led to death like a criminal, and deprived of His life in such a cruel manner? — asks Father Papczynski. There is only one answer: the sins of the people were the reason. “He was ... stricken for the transgression of My people” (Is 53, 8). In order to show Our Savior’s innocence and patience, Father