Be Merciful

21 Sep

[The Pharisees] said to his disciples,
“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.”  (Mt 9:11-13)

Today is the Feast of St. Matthew.

Cheat.

Scoundrel.

Traitor.

Saint.

I guess it is all a matter of perspective.

In the eyes of the Jews, Matthew was a cheat, a scoundrel, and a traitor because he worked for the Romans as a tax collector.  He would have been seen as a sell-out, as someone who gave up his right to be a member of the community.

Jesus did not see that.

He does not see cheats, scoundrels, traitors.

No.

He sees into the very depths of our souls and He speaks to our depths:  “Follow me.”

Let us not worry about what anyone thinks about us.

Let us merely respond to the Lord’s invitation joyfully and enthusiastically.

FAITH ACTION:  Are there people whom you disregard because you view them as no good, as sell-outs?  Pray for them today — and for yourself — that God’s love may join you together in faithful discipleship.