21 September, 2023 | Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist
Gospel Mt 9:9-13
Gospel Text:
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:
"The world is in need of mercy today more than ever. Let us be bearers of God's compassion to all," Says Pope Francis. Mercy is an essential virtue that holds the potential to heal wounds; that has the power to bring about positive transformation and harmony among people. Jesus showed mercy to sinners and revealed the depth of God’s mercy through his life and mission but the Pharisees were against his teachings. Quoting Prophet Hosea Jesus said to them, ‘what I want is mercy and not sacrifice’. Jesus made it clear that his mission was not to call the virtuous, but rather to reach out to sinners and to show them love an acceptance. As we strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we can emulate his life and teachings by embodying God's mercy and compassion in our interactions with others.
Activity :
Show hospitality and welcome others into your life, regardless of their backgrounds.
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