FRIDAY OF THE THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, JULY 5, 2024

The Calling of Saint Matthew (1599-1600) by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

MASS READINGS

Gospel

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."

Matthew was regarded as a public sinner. He collaborated with the enemy. He was a public sinner, known by all because he was a tax collector. In Scripture tax collectors are grouped together with harlots, sinners, extortionists, the unjust and adulterers. I wonder how Matthew began this career of working with the authorities and cheating the people. Was he forced into labor or did greed take him to a life of being hated and always looking over his shoulder?

Yet, Jesus called him personally. “Follow me”.

We all know public figures who became wealthy while serving their country; whose beliefs are so far beyond ours that in our heart we become private sinners--detesting all that they stand for, becoming embittered toward them, gossiping about them and even laughing at them; Or televangelists who live in mansions, teaching prosperity gospel serving a different God.

Jesus does not exclude anyone from his friendship. All are welcome to His love, offering His graces to the sinner. The new repentant person is healed of their sins and empowered by God's merciful compassion.

"For the one who is furthest from holiness can become a model of the acceptance of God's mercy, and offer a glimpse of its marvelous effects in their own lives." (1)

God Bless You.

(1) "Let us become friends of Jesus" by Pope Benedict XVI