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

As Jesus passed by,
he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post.

Jesus did not see a tax collector or notorious sinner: He saw “a man…..”

How do I see others?

When I encounter a homeless person, do I see a failure or do I see a brother or sister in need of help? When I see someone on television in handcuffs, do I see a criminal or do I simply see a brother or sister in need of God’s mercy?

He said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed him.

I am a Christian but do I radiate the love and forgiveness of Christ? Would a person in need be inclined to look to me for help?

While he was at table in his house,
many tax collectors and sinners came
and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

When at a gathering, who do I look to sit with, the popular, prestigious person or the person who looks lost and lonely?

The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples,
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

I pray, “Dear Lord, when you come, may you find me among the least of your brothers and sisters.”

“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.”

My entering into Heaven will not be because of any good I may have done but despite the sins I have committed. My faith and hope for Heaven is based solely on my belief in the love and mercy of God.

“Apart from the mercy of God, there is no other source of hope for mankind.” Pope John Paul II