The Call of Matthew
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Mt 9:9-13
9As
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. 10While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. 11The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. 13Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Reflection:
Matthew.
The evangelist Mark names the tax collector Levi (Mk 2:14). However, in
the four lists of the Twelve/Eleven who are the closest disciples of
Jesus (Mt 1:2-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:14-16; Acts 1:13), it is Matthew who
is named. His identification as tax collector is given in Mt 10:3.
As
a tax collector, Matthew is considered a public sinner, a traitor since
he works for the Roman conquerors. Rejected and despised by Jewish
society, he is one person whom no one wants to be seen with or to be
identified with. Yet Jesus calls Matthew to be one of his disciples.
That is surprising, but equally surprising is Matthew’s prompt response
to Jesus.
A
sinner forgiven and accepted by Jesus is unburdened of guilt and freed
from the rejection of society. Matthew feels greatly relieved and is
profoundly grateful to Jesus. Completely reconciled to God and people,
the former tax collector shows readiness to render Jesus service. This
proves his transformation is heartfelt and deep.
Can you find it in your heart to dine with an
enemy or offer a toast to one you abhor?
You can, if you follow Jesus’ example.
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