Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist -
Matthew 9:9-13
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Matthew. The
Gospel reading for today is about the call of Matthew. Jesus saw Matthew as he
walked by Matthew’s custom post. Jesus simply said to Matthew, “Follow me,” and
immediately, Matthew got up and followed Jesus.
Matthew then invited Jesus and the disciples to
his home to share a meal. Many tax collectors and sinners also were invited to
the meal and sat in the midst of Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees
saw this, they were scandalized. They asked Jesus’ disciples: “Why does your
teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” However, the disciples did not
have a chance to respond to the question. Jesus had heard their question and
said: “Those who are well do not have need of a physician, the sick do. Go and
learn the meaning of the words: I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Jesus
continues: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Pope Francis is a wonderful example in our day of
a man who truly follows in Jesus’ footsteps. He reaches out to the poor, the
needy, and the disenfranchised. He is a man who embodies the grace of joy. Joy
simply flows out from his being. Today Jesus is calling us to follow him. Will
we follow him with a joyful and merciful heart? Today’s world is in desperate
need of joy and mercy! If we share our joy and mercy with others today, we may
find that joy and mercy will return to us one hundredfold!
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