The Call of Matthew

Today's Reflections

 

                               

 

     

The Call of Matthew 

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Mt 9:9-13

⁹As Jesus passed on... 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:

I desire mercy, not sacrifice. Jesus makes this statement of policy. He deals with us under the principle of mercy. Because of this, he continues, “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

How consoling these words should be for us! We are all sinners, and Jesus is the sinless one. But he does not shun us. Indeed, he comes for us. The good news is that, sinners though we are, Jesus calls us and wants to befriend us.

There is a temptation that often besets upright people. They tend to disdain sinners and put them down. Jesus always wants to lift up sinners. And Matthew, the tax collector, he raises up to be one of the Twelve.

Be like Jesus in your attitude

towards the erring.