Thus they came near to our Redeemer, and that not only to converse with Him, but to sit at meat with Him; for so not only by disputing, or healing, or convincing His enemies, but by eating with them, He oftentimes healed such as were ill-disposed, by this teaching us, that all times, and all actions, may be made means to our advantage. When the Pharisees saw this they were indignant; “And the Pharisees beholding said to his disciples, Why eateth your Master with Publicans and sinners?”
It should be observed, that when the disciples seemed to be doing what was sinful, these same addressed Christ, “Behold, thy disciples are doing what it is not allowed to do on the Sabbath.” [Matt 12:2] Here they speak against Christ to His disciples, both being the part of malicious persons, seeking to detach the hearts of the disciple from the Master.
Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).