SATURDAY, TWENTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Feast of Saint Matthew, the Evangelist
Eph 4: 1-7, 11-13 Ps 19: 2-5 Mt 9: 9-13
DISCIPLESHIP FOLLOWS MERCY
Today we see Jesus calling Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. The reaction of the Pharisees and Jesus’ response to them captures a key element of Jesus’ ministry: the priority of mercy over ritual sacrifice. The passage begins with Jesus’ call to Matthew. This simple yet profound invitation marks the beginning of Matthew’s transformation from a tax collector to a disciple of Christ. The immediacy of Matthew’s response underscores the compelling nature of Jesus’ call, a theme emphasized in the Church’s understanding of vocation.
The Catechism describes a vocation as a call from God to live a life of holiness and service (CCC 542). Matthew’s vocation is particularly striking because it demonstrates that Jesus calls individuals from all walks of life, even those considered sinners or outcasts. This reflects the Church’s teaching that “God does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called.” Matthew’s willingness to leave his profession and follow Jesus symbolizes the transformative power of divine grace.
Following Matthew’s call, Jesus reclines at a meal with many tax collectors and sinners. Pope Francis emphasizes the Church’s mission to reach out to the side-lines, to those marginalized by society. Jesus’ actions in this passage illustrate this mission vividly. He does not merely tolerate sinners; He seeks them out and shares a meal with them, signifying acceptance and reconciliation. This underscores the Church’s call to embody a pastoral approach that orders mercy.
Like Matthew, young people today are invited to respond to Jesus’ call with courage and openness, allowing His love to transform their lives. This call to discipleship is not limited to the young; it extends to all members of the Church, inviting everyone to a deeper relationship with Christ and greater commitment to His mission.
Response: Their sound goes forth through all the earth.
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