Both readings today touch on taboos. Eleazar in our 1st Reading observes a taboo against eating pig flesh, and for very good reasons. Such flesh was considered unclean in the Jewish tradition and no self- respecting Jew would touch or taste it. Eleazar's friends offered him a way out of his dilemma but he thought of his age, dignity, reputation and his traditions. He stood firm and went cheerfully to his death. Jesus in our Gospel reading breaks taboos concerning a public sinner - not once but thrice! No righteous Jew would speak with, visit, eat with, a known sinner - and tax-collectors were public sinners. Jesus truly came to save people. And we are blessed to share that saving.