The Gospel According to Matthew 9:9-13
As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew
sitting at the custom 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: Can you answer this question? Where were you
when Jesus asked you to, “Follow Me”? He has a unique way of
finding us, even in the most remote places. He finds his way into
our hearts at a time, in our lives, when we least expect it.
He finds His way into our hearts when we sometimes need
His love and compassion the most. I have heard many
testimonials from people, just like me and you, of their first
encounter with His love. He touches us all regardless of
who we are or where we are in our faith journey.
Tricia and I have both been facilitating the RCIA program for
over fifteen years and we are always amazed at the some of
the stories that have been shared with us of ‘What ‘brought
them to this class. Mostly because something happened
in their life that helped them actually see the light of a situation
or a small miracle that changed their life and their relationship
with God forever. And the fact is that we are all sinners and in
knowing that we can admit this which allows us to feel God’s
mercy, which enables us to show that mercy and compassion
to others.
There are no sins so great that they cannot be overcome by God’s mercy.
Action of the Day: In our prayers, let us ask the Lord to give us the
Grace to stay close to Him so that we can share God’s spirit with all
those we encounter in our daily lives.