A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:9-13)
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” [Jesus] 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.”
Jesus calls Matthew as he sits at the customs post, and Matthew follows him immediately. At Matthew’s house, the Pharisees criticize Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners. From the point of view of the Pharisees, Jesus chooses the wrong crowd—the outcasts, the ones to be avoided, the unrighteous. But Jesus’ thought-provoking response is an invitation to his mercy not only for tax collectors and sinners but also for the self-righteous who fail to see error in their strict judgment of others. Through his presence among sinners, Jesus shows us where mercy is to be placed, and he speaks that place into existence when he says, “Follow me.”
Father in heaven, you sent Jesus to call every person to yourself away from brokenness and sin. Help me understand, Lord, and take to heart these two realities: you recognize that every person sins—even the righteous—and you desire to heal us with your mercy and compassion. God, help me recognize my constant need for healing through the presence of Christ your Son in the sacraments and in your word. Divine Physician, have mercy on us!
From the Gospel acclamation: “We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord;
the glorious company of Apostles praise you.” Saint Matthew, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.