Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13
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.”
Why does Jesus call us to follow Him?
He calls us because of His great love for us. Jesus doesn’t want any of us to be led astray by the many sins and distractions of this world. He doesn’t want any of us to suffer in hell when our life here on earth comes to an end. Instead, He longs for us to be with Him in heaven.
In our Gospel today, we meet a man named Matthew, a corrupt tax collector, who was called by Jesus to follow Him. Even though Matthew was a sinner, deep in his heart, he knew Jesus. He knew that in Jesus, he would find healing, forgiveness, and a new life. Matthew knew that in Jesus, he would find someone who would not condemn him but would lovingly listen to his desire to repent and start anew as His follower.
So when Jesus told Matthew, “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:9), Matthew immediately left everything behind and followed the Lord. At that moment, Matthew heard the sweetest words he could ever hear in his entire life.
The call of Jesus made Matthew whole again. For years, sin had left him empty and broken, but Jesus’ call brought him freedom and new hope. Perhaps Matthew burst into tears when he heard Jesus calling him to follow Him. They were tears of indescribable joy, tears of relief, and tears of freedom from the chains of sin.
Jesus is also calling you today. Will you leave everything behind and follow Him? – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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