Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Oktubre 1 Linggo, Ika-26 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 21:28-32

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 21:28-32

Noong panahong iyon, tinanong ni Hesus ang mga punong saserdote at matatanda ng bayan: “Ano ang palagay ninyo rito? May isang tao na may dalawang anak na lalaki. Lumapit siya sa nakatatanda at sinabi, ‘Anak, lumabas ka at magtrabaho sa ubasan ngayon.’ ‘Ayoko po.’ tugon niya. Ngunit nagbago ang kanyang isip at siya’y naparoon.  

Lumapit din ang ama sa ikalawa at gayon din ang kanyang sinabi. ‘Opo’ tugon nito, ngunit hindi naman naparoon. Sino sa dalawa ang sumunod sa kalooban ng kanyang ama?” “Ang nakatatanda po,” sagot nila. Sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang mga publikano at masasamang babae’y nauuna pa sa inyong pasakop sa paghahari ng Diyos. 

Sapagkat naparito sa inyo si Juan at ipinakilala ang matuwid na pamumuhay, at hindi ninyo siya pinaniwalaan. Ngunit pinaniwalaan siya ng mga publikano at ng masasamang babae. Nakita ninyo ito, subalit hindi pa rin kayo nagsisi at naniwala sa kanya.

Reflection for Saturday September 30, Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church: Luke 9:43b-45

Gospel: Luke 9:43b-45

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

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Reflection:

When Jesus told His disciples that he was to be handed over to men they were not able to comprehend it. Why? Because at that time Jesus was doing miracles left and right. And perhaps they were asking themselves, how could this be possible that this miracle man will be handed over to authorities and afterwards suffer? 

The disciples were oblivious because they did not fully know His mission. Otherwise, if they knew, they would have understood this pronouncement of Jesus.  The moment we decide to follow Jesus we must prepare ourselves for the sufferings that we have to go through. 

Because we cannot separate our discipleship with the Lord  with sufferings. To follow Jesus is to embrace suffering also. However, there are people who would say, simply follow Jesus and you will have a problem free life. This is farthest from the truth because everyone of us who truly follow Jesus will have our own share of sufferings and tribulations. 

But let us not bedevil ourselves with the thought of these sufferings because Jesus will not give us trials that we can’t handle. We simply have to have faith in Jesus and that is more than enough to conquer our sufferings.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Friday September 29, Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels: John 1:47-51

Gospel: John 1:47-51

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him. ”Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 

Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

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Reflection:

Do you have some secrets that you think nobody knows except you? It’s not you alone who knows about it Jesus knows about it also.

There was a young woman who had an abortion she kept it from anyone, but there were days that she couldn’t sleep. She was being bothered by her conscience; thinking of a cure from her torment of conscience. She submitted herself to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and there she poured out everything that was bothering her. From there on she was able to sleep soundly.

Jesus is an all-knowing God His presence pervades all over us and we certainly can’t hide anything from Him. Nathaniel was not aware of this fact this is the reason why he asked Jesus: “How do you know me”?

We cannot keep anything from God, He knows everything about us. Our sins, undesirable thoughts and the current sins that we continue to commit. Therefore, we have to distance ourselves permanently from people and places that influenced us to sin.

Otherwise, we have to prepare ourselves for the very severe consequences that will befall us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Setyembre 29, San Miguel, San Gabriel at San Rafael, mga arkanghel (Kapistahan): Juan 1:47-51

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:47-51

Noong panahong iyon, nang makita ni Jesus si Natanael, ay kanyang sinabi, "Masdan ninyo ang isang tunay na Israelita; siya'y hindi magdaraya!" Tinanong siya ni Natanael, "Paano ninyo ako nakilala?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Bago ka pa tawagin ni Felipe, nakita na kita nang ikaw ay nasa ilalim ng puno ng igos."  

"Rabi, kayo po ang Anak ng Diyos! Kayo ang Hari ng Israel!" wika ni Natanael. Sinabi ni Jesus, "Nananampalataya ka ba dahil sa sinabi ko sa iyong nakita kita sa ilalim ng puno ng igos? Makakikita ka ng mga bagay na higit kaysa rito!" At sinabi niya sa lahat, "Tandaan ninyo: makikita ninyong bukas ang langit, at ang mga anghel ng Diyos ay manhik-manaog sa kinaroroonan ng Anak ng Tao!" 

Reflection for Thursday September 28, St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion, Martyrs (M): Luke 9:7-9

Gospel: Luke 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead” others were saying, “Elijah has appeared” still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” 

But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things? And he kept trying to see him.

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Reflection:

Have you experienced being bothered by your conscience?

At the back of his mind Herod was silently asking himself: Who is this man who is doing what John did? He certainly is not John because I beheaded John.

Why was Herod bothered by Jesus’ actions? Because Herod thought that John had risen from the dead and now he is again doing what he has been doing: to call for repentance, to speak the truth no matter who gets hurt, to heal and so forth. It was a disturbing déjà vu for the powerful Herod.     

Herod was surely bothered, for he knew that what he did against John was against the law of men and God. But Herod was the supreme power during that time, and as such, he could practically do whatever he wanted, and nobody would dare to cross his path or pursue him.

But Herod’s power is limited to this world alone. There’s a much bigger power which controls everything in this world and everything that is beyond this world and that is the power of God! 

Therefore the greater power which is God was already bothering the mind of Herod. Perhaps Herod was already losing sleep and incessantly being disturbed by his conscience because of what he did to John.

What is the lesson for us in this gospel episode? Worldly power no matter how enormous has its limitations too! Because God can pierce and burst that power whenever He wants. God can do something that is unseen by others to punish a powerful and arrogant person.

Therefore we should be careful on how we exercise our power we should not abuse it! We should know that it has its own limitations. And once we transgress the limitations of our power the justice of God would be upon us to haunt us as it haunted Herod. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Wednesday September 27, Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest: Luke 9:1-6

Gospel: Luke 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. 

Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

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Reflection:

Do you depend on yourself or on God? These are the two basic questions that we face up to everyday. What does it mean to depend on yourself? It means that you rely on yourself alone. You depend on your own strength and understanding and God has no place in your heart.

When you depend on God it doesn’t mean that you will relax. And let the blessings of God come into your doorstep like the mailman putting your mail into your mailbox. When you depend on God you simply do everything within your power to have what you want or to achieve what you want. But at the end of the day you humbly submit everything to the will of God and not to your own selfish will.

When Jesus told the apostles to take nothing for their missionary journey (Luke 9:3). Was He telling them to take nothing because everything that you need will simply fall from heaven to your lap? Of course not! Jesus was rather telling them to do what they were commissioned to do and not to worry because He will use people of faith to provide for their provisions. 

This is basically the same on how we live and share our own faith. We don’t have to worry about anything. Because Jesus will provide for us for as long as we work for the fulfillment of our own Baptismal mission which is to help the Lord spread the Good News of our salvation.

Have you already done something to share Jesus and His teachings? - Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for September 26, Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:19-21

Gospel: Luke 8:19-21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

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Reflection:

Do you consider yourself as a relative of Jesus?

Very clearly Jesus tells us that we could only be called His relatives if we hear His word and act on it. What if we don’t hear His word and don’t act on it? Does this mean that we are not anymore related to Jesus?

 For example, if you have a wayward relative who doesn’t listen to your advices. Would you treat him as not your relative anymore? Will you condemn him to eternal damnation? Of course not!

Jesus made the statement, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it," to convey a message to the crowd and to us as well, emphasizing the importance of consistently abiding by His teachings.

But human as we are, we sometimes wander away and we sin thus we distance ourselves from Jesus. However the tie that binds is still there, Jesus still pines for us. He patiently looks for us and eager to bring us closer to Him so that He could embrace us once again. 

If you are a sinner (as we all are), remember that you are still very much loved by Jesus, and you are still a relative of the Lord, notwithstanding your many sins. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for September 25, Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:16-18

Gospel: Luke 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. 

For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes put a facade of who you truly are or do you sometimes live a double life?

We cannot hide our real identity no matter how hard we try to hide it for there will eventually come a time that we shall be unmasked. For example, we pretend that we are good but deep inside we are not, etc.  

Our pretension will work to a certain extent we may even fool others with our pretensions. However, there shall come a time that we will be unmasked no matter how hard we try to conceal our true identity. And this unmasking will truly expose us as to who we really are.

In the gospel Jesus tells us: There is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Indeed no secret is kept secret forever and every facade that we put forward will eventually be exposed.

No secret last forever most especially dark and hideous secrets, therefore it’s better to live an upright and moral life. If we have dark secrets let us walk away from it. And after that let us move forward to live a new life worthy in the eyes of God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for Sunday September 24, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 20:1-16a

Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16a

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.

So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’

When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you.

Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who was envious of her wealthy neighbor. She would frequently complain to God about why they were rich while they were not. She thought that God was being unfair to her and her family. One night, she had a dream, and in that dream, God said to her: 'You only measure the blessings I bestow upon you by the money and possessions you have and see.

God further said to her, 'Yes, you are not blessed materially, but look at your very successful and well-brought-up children. Look at your loving husband who has been faithful to you since day one of your married life. Look at your health; nobody among your family members has been to a hospital for health issues.' Suddenly, the woman had a realization that she was far more blessed by God than her neighbor.

The workers in the vineyard who worked early complained about the unfair payment of their wages, which is money! They failed to realize that they were assured of the day’s work by the landowner early that morning. And surely, this already guaranteed that they had something to feed their families for the coming days. Unlike those who came in late, who were not assured of anything to feed their families until late in the afternoon. 

When we account for the blessings that God gives us, let us not solely focus on money or any material wealth, as this might lead to complaints. Instead, let us have a holistic appreciation of God’s blessings, such as peace and good health within the family, faithfulness and tranquility in married life, and many more blessings that cannot be measured by any amount of money.

Often, God’s blessings upon us are hidden beyond the glitters of material wealth and money. But if we are sensitive to the Lord’s goodness, we would be able to discern them.

Aside from material wealth are you aware of the many blessings that God has given you? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Setyembre 24, Ika-25 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 20:1-16a

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 20:1-16a

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang talinghagang ito: "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: lumabas ng umagang-umaga ang may-ari ng ubasan upang humanap ng mga manggagawa. Nang magkasundo na sila sa upa na isang denaryo maghapon, sila'y pinapunta niya sa kanyang ubasan. Lumabas siyang muli nang mag-iikasiyam ng umaga at nakakita siya ng iba pang tatayu-tayo lamang sa liwasang-bayan.  

Sinabi nya sa kanila, 'Pumaroon din kayo at magtrabaho sa aking ubasan, at bibigyan ko kayo ng karampatang upa. At pumaroon nga sila. Lumabas na naman siya nang mag-iikalabindalawa ng tanghali at nang mag-iikatlo ng hapon, at gayon din ang ginagawa niya. Nang mag-iikalima ng hapon, siya'y lumabas uli at nakakita pa ng mga ibang wala ring ginagawa. Sinabi niya sa kanila, 'Bakit kayo tatayu-tayo lang dito sa buong maghapon?' 'Wala pong magbigay sa amin ng trabaho, e!' sagot nila. At sinabi niya, 'Kung gayun, pumaroon kayo at gumawa sa aking ubasan.

"Pagtatakip-silim, sinabi ng may-ari ng ubasan sa kanyang katiwala, 'Tawagin mo na ang mga manggagawa at sila'y upahan, magmula sa huli hanggang sa unang nagtrabaho.' Ang mga nagsimula ng mag-iikalima ng hapon ay tumanggap ng tig-iisang denaryo. At nang lumapit ang mga nauna, inakala nilang tatanggap sila ng higit doon; ngunit ang bawat isa'y tumanggap din ng isang denaryo. 

Pagkatanggap nito, nagreklamo sila sa may-ari ng ubasan. Sabi nila, 'Isang oras lang pong gumawa ang mga huling dumating, samantalang maghapon kaming nagpagal at nagtiis ng nakapapasong init ng araw. Bakit naman po ninyo pinagpare-pareho ang upa sa amin?' At sinabi niya sa isa sa kanila, 'Kaibigan, hindi kita dinadaya. Hindi ba't nagkasundo tayo sa isang denaryo?  

Kunin mo ang ganang iyo, at umalis ka na. Maano kung ibig kong upahan ang nahuli nang tulad ng upa ko sa iyo? Wala ba akong karapatang gawin ang aking maibigan sa ari-arian ko? O naiinggit ka lang sa aking kabutihang loob?' Kaya't ang nahuhuli ay mauuna, at ang nauuna ay mahuhuli."

Reflection for Saturday September 23, Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest: Luke 8:4-15

Gospel: Luke 8:4-15

When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture. 

Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold.” After saying this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”

Then his disciples asked him what the meaning of this parable might be. He answered, “Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you; but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that they may look but not see, and hear but not understand.

“This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation.

As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit. But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.”

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Reflection:

What is the essence of life if it’s not lived with God? A meaningful life is always a life lived with God. If we live life without God life automatically becomes meaningless. Even if we have all the material wealth and power if we have no God life is still without meaning.

Jesus gives us a parable about the seeds that fell on four different surfaces. The first three surfaces were empty of the presence of God therefore the seeds that fell on these surfaces eventually died.

The fourth surface or soil is the perfect one because it is the good and productive soil. Don’t we also want to be connected with this productive soil? When we are connected with this productive  soil we live a meaningful life in this world. Thus, we can only become good and productive citizens of this world if we would always be connected with this productive soil which is Jesus.

For without connection with the Lord we wouldn’t be able to grow in wisdom. And we certainly will not be able to live a profound and meaningful life in this world.

Are you always connected with Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Setyembre 23, San Pio ng Pietrelcina, pari (Paggunita): Lucas 8:4-15

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 8:4-15

Noong panahong iyon, datingan ng datingan ang mga taong naggagaling sa mga bayan-bayan at lumalapit kay Jesus. Nang natitipon na ang napakaraming tao, isinalaysay niya ang talinghaggang ito:

"May isang taong lumabas para maghasik ng binhi. Sa kanyang paghahasik, may binhing nalaglag sa daan at nayapakan, at ang mga ito'y tinuka ng mga ibon. May nalaglag sa kabatuhan, at pagtubo ay natuyo dahil sa kawalan ng halumigmig. May nalaglag naman sa dawagan. Lumago ang dawag at ininis ang mga binhing tumubo. Ang iba'y nalaglag sa matabang lupa, tumubo at namunga ng tig-iisangdaang butil." At malakas niyang idinugtong, "Makinig ang may pandinig!"  

Itinanong ng mga alagad kung ano ang kahulugan ng talinghagang ito. Sumagot si Jesus, "Sa inyo'y ipinagkaloob na malaman ang mga lihim tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, ngunit sa iba'y sa pamamagitan ng talinghaga, upang: 'Tumingin man sila'y hindi makakita; At makinig man sila'y di makaunawa.'"  

"Ito ang kahulugan ng talinghaga: ang binhi ng salita ng Diyos. Ang mga binhing nalaglag sa tabi ng daan ay ang mga nakinig, ngunit dumating ang diyablo at inalis sa kanilang puso ang salita upang hindi sila manalig at maligtas. Ang mga nalaglag sa kabatuhan ay ang mga nakinig ng salita at tumanggap nito nang may galak, ngunit hindi ito tumimo sa kanilang puso.  

Naniwala silang sandali, subalit sa panahon ng pagsubok ay tumitiwalag agad. Ang mga nahasik naman sa dawagan ay ang mga nakinig ngunit nang malaon ay nadaig ng mga alalahanin sa buhay at ng pagkahumaling sa kayamanan at kalayawan, kaya't hindi nahinog ang kanilang mga bunga. Ang mga nahasik naman sa matabang lupa'y ang mga nakinig ng salita. Iniingatan nila ito sa kanilang pusong tapat at malinis at sila'y nagtitiyaga hanggang sa mamunga.

Reflection for September 22, Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:1-3

Gospel: Luke 8:1-3

1 Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve  and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,  Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

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Reflection:

Have you already preached or even shared the good news about Jesus? The gospel today opens our eyes to the preaching ministry of Jesus. Have you shared Jesus? For example through your life, through actual preaching or sharing or even writing in the internet anything that deals about Jesus.

An active follower is not ashamed to share Jesus, he/she find ways and means to share the teachings of Jesus. Let us reflect on this for we may have not yet shared Jesus or yes we have already shared Jesus but we don’t actually live what we have shared or preached about Jesus.

Let us not be afraid to share Jesus for by sharing Jesus we will straighten crooked lives. By sharing Jesus we would be able to give hope to the hopeless and by sharing Jesus we would be able change and inspire lives. Jesus is alive up to this very moment  and He wants to be in our hearts. However, the dwelling of Jesus in our hearts can only be facilitated when we begin to share Him.

It is therefore incumbent upon us to share Jesus and to let others know about the Lord. So that they too would also be transformed by Jesus the same way that Jesus is continuously transforming us up to this very hour.- Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Thursday September 21, Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist: 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:

Why does Jesus calls us to follow Him?  

He calls us out of His great love for us. Jesus doesn’t want any of us to be lead astray by the many sins of this world. Jesus doesn’t want any of us to suffer in hell after our mortal life in this world is over already.

We have in our gospel a man named Matthew a corrupt tax collector who was called by Jesus to follow Him. Even if Matthew is a sinner deep in his heart he knows Jesus. Matthew knows deep in his heart that in Jesus he would find healing, forgiveness and a new life. Matthew knows deep in His heart that in Jesus he has somebody who will not condemn him but would be very much willing to listen to his desire to repent and become His follower.  

Therefore, when Jesus told Matthew to follow Him (Matthew 9:9) he immediately left everything behind him and followed the Lord. When Matthew heard Jesus telling him to follow Him, Matthew heard the sweetest words that he could ever hear in his entire life. 

The call from Jesus made Matthew whole once again for he had been broken by sin throughout his adult life. Perhaps Matthew burst into tears when he heard Jesus told him to come and follow Him. It was tears of unexplained happiness, tears of relief and freedom from the enslavement of the devil.  

 Do you also want to feel how Matthew felt during that very day when Jesus called him to come and follow Him? – Marino J. Dasmarinas