Gospel

Matthew 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

If one looks for a description of the ministry of Jesus, this is a perfect passage. Certainly he came to give us an example, he wants us to follow his ways. And what he shocks the institution at the time of the temple is that instead of seeking only righteous people, spending time with him, he went to those that they were told to avoid.

He went to sinners. And the beauty of that is that he has in that action described a key element to his ministry. Mercy, unmerited love. To have that gift, to be in that kind of relationship with others is the key to the Kingdom.

Closing Prayer

Father, it's so easy for us to become negative about those around us who aren't fully what we think they should be. Never let us fall into the trap of criticism and judgment and condemnation. But always, always place within us a longing, a desire for people to change, to grow, to become what their destiny truly is. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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