Q. 1. What does it mean that Jesus came for the sinners? For example, I know a Eucharistic Minister who openly lives in a common law relationship. When I pointed out to that person that she should not be a Eucharistic Minister because she lives in a state of mortal sin, her reply was, "Jesus came for the sinners, not those who are saved." She implied that her way of living was okay because Jesus came for people like her. This is very confusing.

A. 1. First of all, the words "Jesus came for the sinners" comes from Mark 2:17, Luke 5:32 and I Timothy 1:15. More accurately, it states "I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance." [Luke 5:32] The last word is the most important, "Repentance."

Jesus did not come to encourage the sinners to continue to sin. He came to call them to repentance. In John 8:11, Jesus said, "Go and sin no more."

To live common law while being a Eucharistic Minister is to cause scandal. Such a case should be reported to the Bishop without delay.

Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers should be chosen among members of the congregation who are faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, those who are humble, those who lives spiritual lives worthy of modelling.