From the responsorial psalm: “Blessed are they who observe his decrees, who seek him with all their heart. One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:1-8)
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.”
Passing by Matthew while he is at work in his daily life, Jesus says to him, “Follow me.” Matthew immediately gets up and follows him, accepting his command. As Jesus meets us every day of our lives, the invitation extends to all of us, even as we miss the mark in words and actions through sin. While at Matthew’s house for dinner, other tax collectors and sinners come to join them. The Pharisees’ comment sets up Jesus for a reply that embraces even their hardness of heart: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” His invitation is for all, his mercy for every one of us. Our response to it makes all the difference. Where is the greatest need today for his healing in our lives?
God, you sent Jesus the divine physician for the sake of sinners. The call to holiness is not limited to a certain people or place or time but is universal. Help me, then, recognize fully that Christ invites me to follow him to receive his mercy; in receiving it, give me the grace and wisdom to see where I may be a means of mercy to others. Take my anxieties of the day, Lord, that prevent me from hearing and doing your will so that I remain in your presence at all times. As Saint Anthony Zaccaria, said: Before starting your activities, offer Jesus a few words of your choosing. Then, during your work often lift up your mind to God. You will benefit much and there will be no detriment to your job.” Saint Anthony Zaccaria, 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.