The Lord Jesus was known as a friend and companion of thieves. He stayed in Zacchaeus’ house, the publican tax collector. He did not condemn, but pardoned Magdalene, a prostitute. He answered the call of the marginalized of that time – the lame, blind, beggars, lepers, etc. They were people that had been discriminated by society and rejected by religion.

Nothing has changed in regards to this nowadays. And in many places, including churches and even religions, “such people” are also ignored. And usually, the allegations are that they “give too much work”, “disrupt meetings”, “take up too much time”.

But didn’t Jesus come precisely for these people and left us the example that, as Christians, we should follow?

“Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”
When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Mark 2.15-17

I remember growing up hearing that “there are only thieves and prostitutes” in the Universal Church, that Bishop Macedo was their leader, and that’s why the Church was full of ignorant people – aka “Joe Schmoes”.

Good! It’s a sign that the Church does exactly what the Lord Jesus did and would continue doing if He were among us, humanly speaking, since, in spirit, He uses His servants to accomplish such mission.

It is no wonder that the Universal Church is present in many places that are considered vile. Prisons, street corners, juvenile rehabilitation centers, the streets… Trying to be a friend (because offering words of encouragement and speaking the truth is the best proof of friendship that can be given) to prisoners, prostitutes, young offenders, homeless people and so many other groups of people who live on the margins of society and are shunned: victims of domestic violence, pregnant teens, those who have been abandoned, addicts…

For 36 years, the “friend of thieves” has been bringing awareness that doing the Work of God is much harder than those who want to do their own will can imagine, but it is simple and rewarding for those who can see themselves in others