7 July, 2023 | Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

 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."" 

Reflections

For the last two days we had the readings related to healing of various sorts: the healing of bodily infirmities and spiritual blindness. Today, for our reflection we have a call narrative: the call of Matthew. We have this episode in all three Synoptic Gospels and it relates the initial encounter of Jesus with Matthew, the tax collector. He was at his profession in the custom-house. Jesus says to him: “Follow me”. Matthew had no hesitation, but got up and followed him. Without discussing with anyone, but with full freedom, he accepts the invitation. He left his profession that gave him financial securities and a status in society. But now nothing of these mattered to him. 

Jesus is our hope and in him is our destiny. Jesus is the solution to all our problems. Once we realize it, our focus will definitely change. The things we give utmost importance would become rubbish as happened to St Paul or Matthew.

Activity:

Make an examination of conscience to see what place do you give to God in your life.