9/21/2024 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:9-13

9 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.
10 While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.
11 The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
13 Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

9/21/2024 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel Reflection / Homily / Sermon: Matthew 9:9-13

In the Gospel reading above, we witness Jesus calling Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. This event is significant because tax collectors were despised by society, often seen as traitors and sinners for their association with the Roman authorities and their corruption. Yet, Jesus doesn’t shy away from calling Matthew to be one of His disciples. Instead, He invites him to leave his old life behind and embrace a new one filled with purpose and grace.

After Matthew follows Jesus, we see Jesus dining with other tax collectors and sinners. This causes the Pharisees to question His actions, asking His disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus responds with a profound statement: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

This passage reminds us that Jesus’ ministry is not about catering to those who think they have it all together. Instead, He focuses on those who are broken, marginalized, and lost. Jesus does not condemn or judge Matthew; He sees his potential and offers him a way out of his old life. In the same way, Christ meets us in our brokenness and calls us into His grace.

The Pharisees, on the other hand, represent a self-righteous attitude. They are more concerned with outward appearances and rules than with mercy and compassion. Jesus confronts this attitude, teaching us that God’s heart is for those who recognize their need for Him. The statement “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” highlights that God values compassion and love over ritualistic religious practices.

This message is inspiring because it speaks to everyone who has ever felt unworthy, judged, or rejected. Jesus’ grace extends to all, no matter their past. He looks beyond our failures and invites us into a relationship with Him. If we humble ourselves and acknowledge our need for His grace, we find healing and purpose. Like Matthew, we are called not because of our perfection, but because of God’s mercy. Let us then, like Christ, extend love and compassion to those around us, reflecting His heart.

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