FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH JULY 2, 2021 THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio painting of the Calling of Matthew 1599-1600

MASS READING:

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mt 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

REFLECTION: “Follow me.”

The painting by Caravaggio is in the church of St Louis of France in Rome. It is called, " The Calling of St Matthew". It was painted in 1599. It depicts St Matthew playing dice with some friends. Jesus walks in accompanied with St Peter, using a walking stick, representative of the itinerant Church. And with an extended index finger toward Matthew, He calls him. St Matthew expresses incredulity at being chosen personally by Christ. (1)

St Matthew is illumined by the divine light of conversion while the others are still with their game of dice. Two players ignore Jesus and continue playing and counting their monies. They represent attachment to worldly things. (2)

In John 15:16, Jesus said, "You have not chosen me, but I have called you". (3) We just have to be ready, and bear fruit abundantly.

Do we remember when God called us? Were we at church, were we crying over our problems, were we praying or were we out carousing, breaking all the commandments living a life of wealth and ease? Were we even aware that we were hurting our Lord and responsible for His sufferings on the Cross?

Did we ask, " Jesus, did you mean me?" Was Jesus looking at your heart or did He want to give you His heart? If our lives are busy and loud, seek a place in your inner self and allow only silence in. If you have not yet heard from Jesus, read the holy bible, read scripture and get to know Him. He is calling you now!

(1) Affatato, Adolfo. Padre Pio and I: Memoirs of a Spiritual Son (p. 130). Kindle Edition.

(2) ibid

(3) ibid