Gospel
Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
REFLECTION:
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Everyone loves a home cooked meal. My mother enjoyed cooking for our family of thirteen. There was always plenty to eat and a choice for picky eaters. Three times a day, we gathered around a table that sat only eight, so we ate in shifts. I was fortunate to eat in the first shift, since I was one of the youngest eight children. What a picture we posed for an onlooker! However, all was not picture perfect at meal time as we sat in our assigned seats.
I had to sit next to my brother who talked nonstop at every meal. I learned how to tune him out. I had a sister who never drank milk, because she hated the taste. I couldn’t believe she got away with this since the rest of us were required to drink milk at every meal. I had another sister who cried every day at the table because she had undiscovered food allergies that made her irritable. All in all, I feel blessed to have these memories of sharing meals at home, even if it wasn’t peaceful.
Reading today’s Gospel comforts me in knowing Jesus would have sat down right next to me at our crowded table. Spiritually he was already there, teaching me patience and understanding. Each of us can look at our family life and find Jesus at work, teaching us about love, despite our failures and imperfections.
Today his Word still carries Spirit and life. He encompasses sinners and offers healing to all who are sick.
Let us pray for priests to continually grow in holiness in their service to God and bring healing to others.
