1Reflection for July 7, Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:9-13

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

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.”

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Reflection:

Does Jesus have a soft spot for sinners? Yes Jesus has a soft spot for all of us sinners. For example in our gospel HE called a tax collector and a sinful man named Matthew. After calling Matthew Jesus went to Matthew’s house to dine with tax collectors and sinners.   

All of us are sinners and Jesus is continuously calling upon us to leave for good our sinful lives and follow HIM. The gravity of our sins are not anymore important for Jesus what is important for HIM is we respond to HIS call same as how Matthew in our gospel responded.   

Perhaps we may ask, why is Jesus calling us to follow HIM? Among many other reasons Jesus wants us to be freed from the bondage of sin; HE wants us to be enlightened by HIS grace. And Jesus wants to save us from hell where Satan holds court. These are the reasons why Jesus is calling us to follow HIM.   

Your life will never be the same again once you accept this call of Jesus. There will be healing in your family; you will now become averse to commit any form of sin and you will be freed from its bondage.  

Would you respond to the Lord’s call? – Marino J. Dasmarinas